JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 48 Hour Film Project returns to Jacksonville with hopes of sending another winner to Filmapalooza and on to the international festival in Lisbon, Portugal.
The 48 Hour Film Project, a thrilling race where filmmakers have just two days to write, shoot, and edit a short film from scratch, will take place in September. Inside the creative heartbeat of WJCT Studios, local talents will once again face the ultimate artistic challenge. When the clock starts, participants are assigned a genre, a character, a prop, and a specific line of dialogue—and from there, it’s a full-speed sprint to turn those elements into a finished film within 48 hours.
“It’s faster than I’m speaking,” joked one organizer. “It’s not for everyone, but for those who jump in, the experience is unforgettable.”
What sets this project apart is its mix of aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals, all sharing a stage in a global competition.
Jacksonville has proven it belongs in the international spotlight. In 2023, a local team’s film Threshold won big—advancing from local screenings to FilmPalooza in Los Angeles, and ultimately to the Cannes Film Festival in France. That victory made Jacksonville the first U.S. city in 12 years to win internationally.
Key Dates:
- Kickoff Weekend: September 26–28, 2025
- Premiere Screenings: October 13–15 at WJCT Studios
- Best of Awards Show: October 22, 2025
The winning film from Jacksonville will go on to compete at FilmPalooza 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal—a chance to represent the River City on a world stage.
With last year’s record-breaking registration, spots are expected to fill up fast. Registration is now open, and organizers encourage early sign-ups to avoid landing on a waitlist.
So whether you’re a seasoned director or a first-time filmmaker, this is your moment. Grab a camera, gather your team, and show the world what Jacksonville can do—in just 48 hours.
Rance met up with coordinator Adam Madrid on Monday to chat about this year’s contest and why it is important to register early.
