100 films to be made in 48 hours

Emerging and professional film-makers will be looking to make history by making 100 short films in 48 hours.

Film enthusiasts in KwaZulu-Natal will have the weekend of September 27 to 29 to make a five to seven minute film.

The 48 Hour Film Project is a global event that takes place in more than 100 cities on different weekends throughout the year. In each city, local film teams, from beginners to pros, compete to make a short film in a weekend.

The annual film competition has teams of film-makers assigned certain elements that ensure the film is shot in 48 hours.

Project co-ordinator Nerusha Sadapal said that in the past 24 years the project had been running, 100 short films had not been done in Africa.

“This is an opportunity for them to get their films screened in cinemas. The winning film will represent us internationally and compete against more than 130 cities at the Filmapalooza, where the top 10 films are chosen to go to the Cannes Film Festival,” she said.

Sadapal said the teams wrote, shot, edited and uploaded their short film in 48 hours. They got to choose between one of two genres or could use both.

“All teams get three elements they have to use in their film ‒ a character, a line of dialogue, a prop ‒ and that’s how we know the film was made during the designated weekend. They can shoot in any location of their choice where they have permission. The weekend before the film-making, there are hybrid workshops and master classes,” she said.

Sadapal said they were encouraging mobile film-making.

“There have been some award-winning shows that were shot on mobile devices for reality TV and screened on Netflix, such as ‘90 Day Fiancé’.”

She said that over the years, the KZN chapter of the project had seen a growing number of entrants and it was hoped this year would produce 100.

“This is a great way to test film-makers, their creativity and team work. It is challenging but fun. We want to link the gap between local and international film-makers and grow through networking,” she said.

Fezile Peko, the project manager for the Durban Film Office, one of the sponsorship partners, said the 100 films were achievable.

“I have been on the judging panel for a few years and I have seen a lot of improvement in the quality. This is a great opportunity and motivation for aspiring and experienced film-makers,” said Peko.

It costs R1 800 for each team to enter.