The world of cinema is about to be swept off its feet once again as the highly anticipated “48 Hour Film Project” makes its triumphant return to Nairobi for the 7th year. This exhilarating international filmmaking competition is a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling within a time constraint.
Carol Kioko, the indomitable force behind Lemon Slice Pictures, stands at the helm as the producer of this exhilarating event. She drives the spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines the “48 Hour Film Project.” The competition begins on 8th to 10th September 2023 where registered teams of filmmakers assemble ready to take on the challenge.
Each team is assigned a specific film genre that will guide the direction of their narrative. The teams will also get a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue incorporated into their film. With these elements in hand, the clock starts ticking. 48 hours to conceive, script, shoot, edit, and produce a 4 to 7-minute masterpiece that seamlessly weaves in all the required components.
The uniqueness of this competition lies not only in its tight time frame. It also lies in the diverse array of genres that challenge filmmakers to think outside the box. From heartwarming dramas to spine-tingling thrillers, and everything in between, the “48 Hour Film Project” encourages participants to explore a wide spectrum of storytelling possibilities.
Once the whirlwind of creativity subsides, the completed films are readied for their grand unveiling. The 21st of September 2023 marks the commencement of the screening period. Here, the public gets to watch the fruits of filmmakers’ labor and cast their votes for their favorite films. The competition culminates in the recognition of outstanding achievements across 15 categories, with the coveted “Best Film Nairobi 2023” award crowning the cream of the crop.
48 Hour Film Project Post-Screening Prizes
However, the journey doesn’t end there. The winning film from Nairobi will advance to the next level. They will represent the city’s filmmaking prowess on the global stage at Filmapalooza. This is the international festival of the “48 Hour Film Project,” scheduled to take place in Lisbon in 2024.
The ultimate dream for any filmmaker is the opportunity to grace the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Hence, the grand prize for the international winner of the “48 Hour Film Project” is a coveted chance to have their creation showcased at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner in 2024 – a launchpad into the international filmmaking elite.
Nairobi has already proven its mettle with previous triumphs. The short films “Bait” (2014) and “Cash Cow” (2022), winners of the Best Film Nairobi award, embarked on an incredible journey to grace the screens of the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. This solidifies the city’s reputation as a hub of burgeoning cinematic talent.
The doors of the “48 Hour Film Project” Nairobi are wide open to anyone with a passion for film, regardless of age or skill level. So, if you’re ready to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of creativity, challenge your limits, and be part of a global community of passionate storytellers. The “48 Hour Film Project” awaits. The clock is ticking, and the canvas of cinema is calling – will you answer? Registration is now open at their official website, beckoning you to embark on a cinematic adventure like no other.
