A 48-hour short film competition based in the Chinatown of Honolulu, HI and open to all who wish to enter. This is an opportunity to sharpen skills and test ideas, connect with others, and to make the best film possible in only 2 days time. The prize? Bragging rights, and of course the feedback and enjoyment from your peers.
Rules:
- Time Limit: The most fundamental rule is the 48-hour time frame. From the official start time, teams have exactly 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit their short film. The submission deadline is strict—no extensions!
- Film Length: The final can be up to 5 minutes in length, including all credits, so make sure you check that run time.
- Film Format: Please export your film in HD quality, ideally in a standard format like .mov or .mp4. Resolution can be 4K, 1080p, or 720p. (1080p preferred)
- Team Size: There is no limit to team size, but typically will include directors, writers, actors, and crew members. Connect with the film community if you need more people to build your team, this is a great opportunity to collaborate.
- Required Elements: You must include all of the elements specified for the competition, failure to do so will disqualify your film. There will typically be 3 random elements, which may include:
- Genre: A specific genre or sub-genre that the film must fit into.
- Character: A character with specific traits, a name, or a profession.
- Prop: A specific object that must appear somewhere in the film.
- Line of Dialogue: A specific line of dialogue that must be spoken by a character in the film.
- Originality: The film must be entirely original—no stock footage, no pre-written scripts – all production must be made within the 48-hour window. For audio, this competition allows for all music to be used but keep in mind if your film uses copywritten music it will not be able to be hosted online or submitted for any other purpose. We recommend using Royalty Free, Creative Commons music or materials that are Attribution Only if not creating your own music.
- Submission: Films need to be submitted in person on a USB drive, by the stated time and date. If you don’t hand your film in by the cutoff, it will not be accepted! Location is Next Door, 43 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Qualifying & Judging:
- All films will be reviewed by the event producers and/or additional guest judges, and all films that followed the rules (5-minute run time, used all required elements, etc.) will then be narrowed down to the 10 best films. This will roughly follow the formula: Story and creativity – 50%, Technical merit – 30%, Use of elements – 20%.
- Judging will be separated into three categories:
- Guest Judges: Each competition will feature a number of Guest Judges, who will consider the general judging formula and their own discretion. The film chosen by the Guest Judges will be deemed the “Best Film” of the night, although the other categories are equally sought after.
- Audience Award: All Audience Members will receive a ballot that they may use to vote for the films and leave feedback.
- Filmmaker’s Choice: Every film entered will receive 3 Filmmaker Ballots that they may use to vote for the films and leave feedback for their fellow filmmakers. The 3 ballots will be distributed amongst the teams as the team sees fit (typically writer, director, dp), other members are welcome to vote as an Audience Member.