'48 Hour Film Project' Returns To Detroit This Weekend!

Guess what everyone, it's that time of year again – do you know what that means? Yep! You guessed it, the 48 Hour Film Project will return to Detroit this weekend, July 18 through the 21, and right now, teams are gearing up to compete against each other in the 48-hour race against the clock!

The project – that also travels to many other states and countries all over the world – forces local filmmakers to think outside of the box and use their originality, imagination, and talent to make a film in less than 48 hours. Everything creative – the writing, the theme, the filming, editing, and sound – must be done within the 48-hour period, from 7pm Friday to 7pm Sunday night.

Think of it like this: teams show up unsuspecting of what theme they will be given and then are thrown into an intense weekend filled only with filmmaking and people who have a passion for it. Not only does this contest really push the contestant teams' creative abilities, it also gives filmmakers a chance to have their work seen by an international audience – the winning film will compete against films from around the world. The team that wins Best Film for this year's competition will have their film screened at the Filmapalooza Film Festival. Sounds pretty sweet, huh?

All films that meet the deadline and have their film ready to go (and turned in) by 7pm on Sunday will be premiered at The Maple Theater in West Bloomfield on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23. There will be two sets of showtimes each night: 7pm to 9pm and 9:15pm to 11pm. The screenings are open to the public and the 48 Hour Film Project encourages everyone to come out and see the best of local Detroit filmmakers and vote for their favorite film! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door the night of the showcase.

Apart from Best Film and Audience Choice, teams will receive awards in: Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Actor, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design, Best Special Effects, Best Use of Genre, Best Use of Character, Best Use of Prop, and Best Use of Line. There are a total of 51 teams comprised of many talented local filmmakers, and they will be battling it out this weekend for the top prize!

All of the fun will kicks off tonight, Friday, July 18 at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale at 6pm – make sure you check back for a follow-up story on this year's winning teams! You can find more information on the 48 Hour Film Project - Detroit here.