Join SD Media Pros for an evening with Raven and Kilna as we deconstruct the 48 Hour Film Project experience and share how high-pressure production skills can strengthen your creative team and your career.
The 48 Hour Film Project is a creative competition fueled by a love of filmmaking. Teams are challenged to make a movie in a weekend, exercising mental and physical endurance, and building lifelong friendships and professional connections along the way.
Sometimes casually and unofficially shortened as "The 48", it is the world's longest running and most popular timed filmmaking competition. Each year teams of all skill levels, ages and demographics, in over a hundred cities across the globe, compete to make a short film in just two days. Amateur and professional teams around the world make movies over a weekend, which are later given a premier in a real theater. San Diego's 2026 competition weekend begins at 7pm on Friday, August 28th.
The weekend of the competition begins with each team assigned a random movie genre by chance.
Each year, all teams must also include a required character, line of dialog, and prop. In 2025, those were:
...and they only found out when the competition started!
Completed movies are given a Hollywood-style premiere in a real movie theater packed with attendees. The audience selects an Audience Choice winner by voting. Then, all qualifying on-time films are considered for film festival judging.
The best films are honored at the 48's own "Best Of San Diego" screening and Academy Awards inspired ceremony, with many categories for recognition. The jury-awarded best film in San Diego goes on to compete in the 48 Hour Film Project's Filmapalooza, an international celebration and competition between city winners. Later, select winners are shown at the Cannes Film Festival (yes, that Cannes) Short Film Corner.
Never made a short film before? Or... is IMDB brimming with movies you've made? In any case, Perfect!
You can own the title "Director" or "Producer" if you have enough initiative. The 48 welcomes all skill levels, and provides a fun learning experience even for seasoned pros.
Early registration begins June 8 at $158 per team until August 5, then $178 for regular registration until August 17, and $198 for late registration up until start of the competition on August 28.
Want to show off your skills in front of the camera? Great!
There are several ways actors of all levels of experience can find casting, and see their talents on the big screen.
Are you potential film crew? A writer, cinematographer, editor, musician, VFX artist, designer, organizer, or general helper...? Fantastic!
There are many filmmaking teams looking for crew, and most teams love newcomers!
If you've already registered to run a team, Congratulations!
You should absolutely make sure to...
You love film. You want to help make a movie and see it on the big screen. The only problem is you don't know how. Actually, no problem!
The 48 is a culture of collaboration and community, so we're always looking to help newbies figure out how they can participate. Many teams love to have more people even when you're unsure of how you can help.
Do you believe in what the 48 is all about? Want to help out local filmmaking? Wonderful! The 48 is a community effort and we need your help.
We're always looking for help in a number of ways:
If you're interested in volunteering:
Email UsJoin our newsletter to get the latest news and updates about the 48! We announce all coming events, special promotions, and anything else 48-related via email.
Sign Up For Our NewsletterThe most active online community for the San Diego 48 is our Facebook group. If you're on Facebook, you should join it, and you should also follow our Facebook page!
Join Our Facebook GroupIf you're on social media, make sure to connect with us!
