How It Works: The 48 Hour Film Project – Reno 2025

Lights. Camera. GO. Reno’s most adrenaline-fueled filmmaking event is almost here, and it’s your shot to take part in a global creative movement — the 48 Hour Film Project!

Whether you’re a veteran filmmaker, a first-timer with a camera, or just curious to try something new, this is your moment.

What Is the 48 Hour Film Project?

The 48HFP is a timed filmmaking competition where you and your team write, shoot, edit, and submit a complete short film in just 48 hours. Sounds intense? It is — and it’s one of the most thrilling ways to test your storytelling skills and meet other passionate creatives.

The Challenge

Weekend Dates: August 15–17, 2025
Kickoff: Friday, August 15 at 5:00 PM
Dropoff Deadline: Sunday, August 17 by 7:30 PM
Location: Kickoff at VFW, 255 VFW Historic Ln, Reno, NV 89509

Here’s how it works:

Register Your Team
- 🐥 Early Bird: $158 (ends July 25)
- 🎯 Regular: $178 (ends August 5)
- 🚨 Late: $198 (ends August 15)
Kickoff Night – Draw Your Genre!
At kickoff, you’ll draw a random genre and receive three required elements:
- A character
- A prop
- A line of dialogue
Every team in Reno will use the same three required elements, but your genre and creativity are what set your film apart.
Film Like Mad
Write. Shoot. Edit. Cry. Laugh. Panic. Create.
You have 48 hours to make cinematic magic.
Submit by Sunday
Submit your final film online via 48hourfilm.com by 7:30 PM Sunday, Aug 17 to be eligible for awards.

The Big Screen Awaits

Premiere Screenings:
📍 Galaxy Theatres Victorian – Sparks
🗓️ Friday, August 29, 2025 @ 7:00 PM (Group A & B)

Yes — your film will be shown in a real theater, on a real screen, in front of a real audience. Bring your crew. Bring your grandma. This is your moment.

The Awards & Beyond

Reno 48 Hour Awards Show:
📍 Stone Creek Lodge – 95 Foothill Rd
🗓️ Friday, September 5, 2025 @ 7:00 PM

Wrap Party:
📍 The Alpine – 324 E 4th St
🗓️ Friday, September 5 @ 9:00 PM

Categories include:

Best Film
Audience Award
Best Acting
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
…and more!

The Best Film from Reno will go on to Filmapalooza in March 2026, with a chance to screen at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner.

Who Can Join?

Solo filmmakers, student crews, pro studios, or a group of friends with iPhones — anyone can enter.
No experience necessary — just guts, creativity, and a caffeine stash.

Register Now — Before It’s Too Late

Spots are limited and this event sells out every year. Don’t wait.

👉 Register here
👉 Early bird pricing ends July 25

Sponsors & Community

Huge thanks to our local sponsors including:

Galaxy Theatres Victorian
Buzzard Creek
VFW
The Alpine
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
And many more.

We’re also proud to be supported by partners like Abbey West Recording and organized by the tireless crew at Malevolent Mouse Productions.

Ready to Level Up?

This is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the magic of storytelling. The 48 Hour Film Project brings people together to create unforgettable films — under pressure, with passion, and sometimes, pure chaos.

Join us. Make something wild. See it on the big screen.

Register today. Film in August. Premiere in glory.

See you at kickoff — and bring your A-game.

🖊️ Written by: The 48 Hour Film Project – Reno Team
🎬 City Producer: Ivey Smith
🎬 City Co-Producer: Daniel Kather

Questions? Reach out to info@48hourfilm.com
More info: https://www.48hourfilm.com/reno

48 Hour Film Project – Reno 2025