The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project returns June 5–7, 2026, challenging filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just 48 hours.
The 48 Hour Film Project is the world’s largest timed filmmaking competition, bringing together filmmakers of all experience levels to create a complete short film in a single weekend. Each team is assigned a genre and must incorporate a specific character, prop, and line of dialogue into their film.
The competition begins with a hybrid Kickoff event at 6:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 821 Whitlock Street in Spartanburg, allowing participants to join either in person or virtually from anywhere in the world.
Completed films must be submitted by 7:30 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
This year’s competition includes filmmakers from across South Carolina, throughout the Southeast, and beyond. Participants range from first-time filmmakers to seasoned professionals. Among them is one Ohio filmmaker who will be competing in his 46th 48 Hour Film Project, with a personal goal of completing 48 different 48 Hour Film Projects before turning 48 years old.
Registration remains open, and anyone interested in filmmaking—from complete beginners to industry veterans—is encouraged to participate.
Following the competition, all films will be screened publicly during the South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project Screening & Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Richardson Center for the Arts at Wofford College.
The June 20 event is free and open to the public, offering audiences the opportunity to see what local filmmakers can create in just one weekend. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Films will compete for awards in categories including Best Film, Best Directing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Acting, Best Writing, and more.
The winning film will advance to Filmapalooza, the international championship of the 48 Hour Film Project, which will be held in Curaçao in March 2027. There, filmmakers from around the world will compete for top honors and the opportunity to screen their work at the Cannes Short Film Corner.
“We’re excited to welcome filmmakers from across South Carolina and beyond,” said Ashley Crane, South Carolina City Producer. “Every year we see first-time filmmakers working
alongside experienced professionals, and the results are always incredible. The 48 Hour Film Project is about creativity, collaboration, and proving that great stories can come from anywhere.”
The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project continues to showcase the growing strength of the state’s film community while providing hands-on opportunities for filmmakers to develop their skills, build professional networks, and create new work.
The event is made possible through the Urban League of the Upstate, whose ongoing investment in the arts strengthens workforce development and expands opportunities within the region’s film industry.
The Urban League of the Upstate’s partnership reflects a shared mission to bridge the gap between local talent and global industry. By investing in creative pipelines, the organization is expanding career opportunities and industry access for filmmakers throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.
Registration is now open at 48hourfilm.com/southcarolina.
Screening + Awards Ticket Link here.
