WHAT IS THE STATE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT?

  • Make a movie in a weekend (only 48 hours!)

  • Test your filmmaking and creativity skills

  • Collaborate with friends on a film project

  • Screen your film in front of an audience!

The 48 Hour Film Project is a worldwide filmmaking challenge where teams create an entire short film—from writing to screening—in just 48 hours. Teams receive specific elements at the start: a genre, character, line of dialogue, and prop that must be woven into their film. This intensive challenge tests participants' creativity, efficiency, and filmmaking abilities under extreme time pressure.

The State 48 Hour Film Project will take place April 25-27, 2025, offering both in-person and virtual participation options for Arizona residents across the state. The Flagstaff International Film Festival provides a safe and welcoming environment for aspiring and professional filmmakers to come together and celebrate their passion for filmmaking.

The Kickoff Event begins Friday, April 25th at 3:00 PM. At 3:30 PM, teams will draw an envelope containing their assigned Genre, Character, Line of Dialogue, and Prop. Then it's lights, camera, action—teams will write, film, and edit their projects before the Sunday 3:30 PM deadline. Remote filmmakers can submit their work via WeTransfer.

The Film Festival screenings begin Sunday at 3:30 PM. Each film must run 3 to 5 minutes, excluding credits. The winning film will receive the Best Short Film Award, IMDb recognition, and a screening at this year's Flagstaff International Film Festival.

The April 27 screenings are open to the public and include light refreshments. To watch the films via YouTube Live, visit FIFF's YouTube channel @flagfilmfestival.

Nothing beats seeing your film on the big screen in front of a live audience. Do you and your friends have what it takes to create a film on the fly?


EVENT

Coconino High School - Small Auditorium - 2801 N Izabella St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

3:00 PM: Meet & Greet

3:30 PM: Drawing

3:45 PM: Lights, Camera, Action!

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Production

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

3:45 PM: Competition Ends/Dinner

4:15 PM: Film Festival

  • ‘Life is like a box of…’ Genres! At the Kickoff Event, each Team will choose an envelope at random, which includes a Genre, Character, Line of Dialogue and a Prop to feature in their film.

    * Comedy
    * Drama
    * Sci-Fi
    * Noir
    * Fantasy
    * Horror
    * Documentary
    * Romance
    * Silent Film
    * Suspence

    CHARACTER: The required character does not have to be the leading role, but he/she/they must be seen on screen.

    LINE OF DIALOGUE: The required line must be spoken, sung or written, and it may be divided between actors.

    PROP: The required prop must be used in some way or seen on screen (props will be provided).

  • All Teams must be located in the state of Arizona. To register for the State 48 Hour Film Project, please email flagfilmfestival@gmail.com. Please include the Team Lead’s contact information.

    * Student Registration $50/team
    * Regular Registration $75/team (through April 15)
    * Late Registration $100/team (April 16 - April 22)

    Refunds are only provided to Teams who withdraw due to Covid-19.

    All production costs are the sole responsibility of the Teams.

    By submitting an entry into the S48HFP each team must own all rights to their film, including, but not limited to, the recorded performances and releases from all persons appearing in it. By submitting, each team agrees to the Official Rules and further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State 48 Hour Film Project, FIFF, and their affiliates from claims, damages, expenses, costs, and liabilities. This includes trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights, right of publicity, right of privacy, or defamation.

  • Films must be between 3–5 minutes in length, excluding credits. All films will be screened if delivered before 4:30 PM. Late submissions will not be eligible for the State 48 Hour Film Project Best Short Film award.

    IN-PERSON + VIRTUAL

    Teams are encouraged but not required to attend the Friday Kickoff Event. The Team Lead must submit all necessary documents in advance to participate in the drawing.

    If outside of Flagstaff, films must be submitted via WeTransfer on April 25th by 3:30 PM for on-time submissions, or by 4:30 PM for late submissions. Files should be .MOV or MP4 format and must not exceed 3GB.

    Films will be streamed live on FIFF's YouTube channel @flagfilmfestival. Please note that due to the nature of live streaming, audio and visual quality may vary.

    CREATIVE PROCESS

    All creative work on the film must take place during the official time period. Creative work includes, but is not limited to:

    Writing the script, rehearsing, costume/set design, shooting, editing, sound design, animation, titles, special effects, rendering.

    The only work to begin prior to the official time period is:

    Organizing cast and crew, securing equipment, scouting/securing locations.

    SAFETY

    The safety of cast, crew, and animals is imperative. Any team that fails to follow safety protocols will be disqualified.

    CAMERAS/REQUIRED MEDIA FORMATS

    You can use any type and number of cameras.

    JUDGING

    The films will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and local community leaders, and by the following criteria:

    * Artistic Merit (Story, Creativity, Entertainment Value) - 45%
    * Technical Merit - 30%
    * Adherence to the Assignment - 25%

  • Production documents are a vital part of the filmmaking process. Without them, films may face legal issues and become ineligible for film festivals. All necessary documents will be provided at the Kickoff Event or beforehand for virtual participants.

    DOCUMENT DEADLINE

    The Team Leader Agreement must be signed at or before the Kickoff Event. All other documentation must be submitted by Sunday at 3:30 PM.

    TEAM LEADER AGREEMENT

    This document must be signed by the registered Team Leader to indicate agreement to the State 48HFP Rules and Requirements.

    CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

    Each Team Leader must sign this document to certify that all creative work took place during the official competition period.

    TALENT RELEASE AND LIABILITY WAIVER

    Each member of the cast and crew must sign a separate Talent Release and Liability Waiver. If under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of that cast/crew member.

    MUSIC RELEASE FORM

    Teams are encouraged to work with composers and musicians to write and record music for their film, though pre-recorded music is also allowed. Every song and piece of music requires a Music Release Form signed by its owner or composer. For music composed during the competition, the composer signs the form. For music from a purchased library, the person who bought the library signs. For royalty-free music, the Team Lead signs.

    LOCATION RELEASE FORM

    This form is signed by the owner (or other person responsible) of the location(s) where the film is shot.

    CAST & CREW LIST

    The Team Lead must submit the cast/crew list. You may submit the final list either at the start of the drawing or before the film festival begins. Both emailed and printed lists are acceptable.

  • WHAT ARE THE FILMS ABOUT?

    That is up to each team. The sky’s the limit!

    WHO SEES THE FILMS?

    The Film Festival is open to the public. All films will screen in front of participating Teams, friends and family, and the local Flagstaff community.

    WHO ARE THE FILMMAKERS?

    The State 48 Hour Film Project is open to all filmmakers: students, beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. (Experience does not always win the award).

    IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON A TEAM?

    No

    WILL WE WIN?

    Countless filmmakers over the years say participating is a fantastic experience. It’s an opportunity to use one’s creative abilities, collaborate with friends, and produce a film. The reward is in the process.

    CAN WE FILM OUTSIDE OF FLAGSTAFF?

    Yes! Filming can occur anywhere in Arizona provided the completed film is turned in by the Sunday 3:30 PM deadline, either in-person or via WeTransfer.

    CAN WE MAKE A POSTER AND/OR TRAILER TO SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

    Of course! Promotion is a huge part of the filmmaking process.

    CAN INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS BE A SPONSOR?

    Absolutely! If you’re looking to be a local sponsor please contact us at flagfilmfestival@gmail.com

  • So, you have made a film! Perhaps even won an award. Now what?

    Many filmmakers wonder what to do with their film after completing a 48 Hour Film Project. Our best suggestion is to get it out there! Enter it into festivals, play it in public screenings, upload it to social media and YouTube, and show it to anyone you can.

    Using it as part of your reel to get an industry job has proven useful for many filmmakers over the years.

    We look forward to creating Movie Magic with you. If you have any further questions please email us at flagfilmfestival@gmail.com.