48Hour film registrations open on Monday

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

This year’s Vista Foundation 48HOURS filmmaking challenge is fast approaching with registrations opening on Monday, March 18.

The shoot weekend is May 17-19.

Since 2003 this competition has recognised and celebrated the future wave of Kiwi filmmaking talent.

Filmmakers have just one weekend to make a short film. They don’t know the genre (thriller/romance etc) they will be shooting in until the start of the competition. All creativity — writing, shooting, editing and adding a musical soundtrack — must occur within the 48-hour window beginning on the Friday evening at 7pm and ending on Sunday at 7pm.

To add to the mayhem, they must also include some random elements. In previous years, these have included lines of dialogue, props, characters and special camera moves.

Over 500 teams of filmmakers enter each year. They compete for awards and the title of Grand National Champion, culminating in a Grand Final event.

Around 10,000 shorts have been produced for 48Hours over the years.

This will be the Vista Foundation’s fifth year as the naming sponsor of the competition. The Vista Foundation, NZ Film Commission and the 48Hours kaupapa are aligned, with a shared vision of supporting filmmaking talent in Aotearoa.

48Hours aims to create a dynamic event that provides opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers to make short films in an environment that encourages fast paced decisions, creative risk-taking and building long-term collaborations. The challenge also offers a screening opportunity and an enthusiastic audience within the competition to showcase their talent.

There is a special deal for school teams who can enter two teams for the price of one and all tertiary students get 50 percent off. Community groups and charities can also apply for free entry.