Two Days, Two Genres and a Whole Lotta Filmmaking

What happens when you challenge some of Rhode Island’s most creative minds to write, develop and produce a film in just forty-eight hours? 

You get a statewide competition that gives “working under pressure” a whole new meaning.

During the 48 Hour Film Project, teams will have just two days to create short films using two genres randomly chosen just moments before the competition begins. Teams will receive their prompts on the dawn of competition weekend, June 23-25. Each team can choose one of the two genres or incorporate both, but all competitors must include three elements established by the judges: a prop, a line of dialogue, and a character type. The rest is up to the teams.

“This festival is going to be amazing, we started planning for the 2023 competition the day after we finished in 2022,” says Mel Rainsberger, the force behind the 48 Hour Film Project – Providence. “Our filmmakers were creative, unique, and had some of the most interesting special effects last year. I hope the filmmakers bring that innovative energy back in 2023.” 

Jeff Ararat in Scott Beer Is Back to the Moon. Photo courtesy of 48 Hour Film Project – Providence.

The 48 Hour Film Project first came to Providence in 2006. Occurring annually in cities across forty-five countries, the project has received thousands of unique submissions from teams of artists since 2001. The winners from each city traditionally advance to Filmapalooza, a screening and award ceremony for the chosen short films set in the following year. Victors are also eligible for their film to be screened at the international Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner.

Expertise in film is not required to register as the competition invites both seasoned film makers and hobbyists to apply. 

At the end of the forty-eight hours, the judges will select a winner based on artistic skill, technical merit and ability to adhere to the assignment. All films judged in Rhode Island will be shown  during a midnight screening July 11 at the Avon Cinema in Providence. The audience will be able to vote for their favorite short film and the recipient of the Audience Award. 

Registration is still open to Rhode Island residents looking to exercise their creative limits. Are you up to the challenge?

RELATED ARTICLES

‘Good Burger 2’ Filming Is Well Underway in North Providence

This Rhode Island Filmmaker Returned to His Abandoned Middle School

This Rhody Resident Masterfully Recreates Horror Film Figures