It’s Back! The FS4T 48-Hour Film Challenge Returns February 19–21

There’s something unforgettable about creating a film on a deadline.

The late nights.The creative breakthroughs.The moment you realize,

“We actually pulled this off.”

After a few years away, the FS4T 48-Hour Film Challenge is officially BACK, and we cannot wait to see what our students create.

From February 19–21, middle and high school filmmakers will have just 48 hours to plan, shoot, edit, and submit an original short film. The following evening watch a LIVE YouTube broadcast (Sunday, February 22 at 6:00 PM - Mountain Time) where we’ll announce the winners and screen the winning films.

What Is the 48-Hour Film Challenge?

At the official kickoff, students receive:

• 1 prop

• 1 character

• 1 line of dialogue

These elements must appear in the final film.

Once the details drop, the clock starts ticking. Filmmakers have 48 hours to:

• Develop a story

• Write a script

• Film their scenes

• Edit their movie

• Export and submit a finished film

No extensions. No do-overs. Just creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving under pressure.

Important Dates

• Challenge Weekend: February 19–21

• All Films Due: February 21 @ 6:00 PM

• LIVE Winners Broadcast: Sunday, February 22 @ 6:00 PM (Mountain Time)

Winning films will be screened during the live show!

This live broadcast is one of our favorite parts of the challenge — celebrating student work together as a community and spotlighting the top films.

Who Can Participate?

• Middle school & high school students

• Solo filmmakers or teams

• Beginners and experienced filmmakers

Filmmaking is collaborative by nature, so students may involve family or friends. That said, the director and creative decision-maker must be a student, and the film should reflect their storytelling vision.

Cash Prizes

1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $300. 3rd Place: $200

Beyond prizes, students gain confidence, real-world experience, and a completed short film created under a real deadline.

How to Prepare Now

Before the challenge begins, students can:

• Form a team or plan to go solo

• Scout filming locations

• Check camera, phone, and editing gear

• Clear their schedule for challenge weekend

Fill out this form HERE to receive updates and additional details/information closer to the kickoff date.

Preparation helps — but spontaneity is half the magic.

Ready to Create?

Whether this is your students first short film or their tenth, the FS4T 48-Hour Film Challenge is an experience they won’t forget.

Mark your calendar. Charge your batteries. Join us live on

Sunday, February 22 at 6:00 PM MT to celebrate the winning films!

~ FS4T TEAM