Assemble your team
Make your short film solo or put together a team of up to 8 people. Your team can include any combination of roles, but you will need to designate a team leader.

Register your entry
To register, follow the sign-up link here and complete the online form. You’ll need to complete and submit this form by 1st July 2026 at 23:59 BST to take part in the competition. Please also read through the terms and conditions.

Get prepared
Of course, you can wing it if you like - but you might want to start thinking about locations, equipment, props, and talent before the brief is announced. Remember, you want to make a film that stands out from the crowd!

The competition
At 19:00 BST on 3rd July 2026, the brief will be announced on the 48-Hour Film Festival website. You've got just 48 hours to film, edit and submit your short film!

Submit
Send us the link to your film via email by 7pm by 19:00 BST on 5th July 2026.

Cross your fingers
All submitted films will be watched and whittled down to a shortlist based on ability, flair and individuality. The final 20 entries will be announced on 10th August 2026 and reviewed by our judging panel. To create our top 10, which will be announced on 24th August 2026.

Winners ceremony
The 10 shortlisted teams will be invited to our winners’ ceremony at LAMDA in West London on 19th September 2026, where their films will be screened to a live audience, and our final grand prix will be announced.