Can You Make A Movie in Just Two Days?
“What am I supposed to do?” was the question on everyone’s lips at last year’s 48 Hour Film Project. Not so much because stressed-out filmmakers had to complete an entire short film in two days ... more so because the 48HFP’s rules include a character, a prop and a line of dialogue that must be included in every participating film. (It’s to stop people from planning early.) And last year, at least one character in every film had to say: “What am I supposed to do?”
It’s anyone’s guess what this year’s mandatory line of dialogue will be, but let’s hope it bears a more confident tone as the competition heads into its fourth year in Beijing.
The 48HFP first came to Beijing in 2009, challenging filmmakers foreign and local to create a short film (5-7 minutes) in just two days. The event had seen success elsewhere around the world, but organizers were curious to see how it would take hold in our city. In 2010, we caught up with then-organizer Peter Sallade to hear more.
Now, Selim Oulmekki is the new Beijing Project Manager, and he’s giving us the skinny on how and why to get involved in this year’s event.
For the un-initiated, can you explain what the 48 Hour Film Project is?
It is like other film festivals, except participants are expected to write, shoot, edit and score the film in, you guessed it, 48 hours. It began in 2001 in Washington DC when creator Mark Ruppert came up with the idea to make a film in two days, wondering whether it would be watchable. The concept expanded from there.
Why do you think it’s become such a popular competition?
Right now there are a lot of film competitions with different formats and different themes (e.g. telephone film competition where filmmakers shoot with their iPhones). I don’t find it particularly interesting to give those kinds of restrictions to the filmmakers, but with the 48HFP it’s different – the restrictions are useful. It’s a fast way for film students to get their work viewed.
How do you decide which filmmakers get to participate?
Anyone can participate: professional or non-professional. They just have to pay a registration fee, which is RMB 500 per team.
Why should people apply?
I think the 48HFP is becoming the main event for indie filmmakers in Beijing. The theatres are always full and this is expanding each year. It gives good opportunities for the talented filmmakers, and if their film is really good, it will be shown in the USA and also in Cannes. The 48HFP has a special agreement with Cannes Film Festival to screen every year’s best 10-20 48HFP movies at the festival’s short film corner.
Last year, a group called “Deng and His Friends” took first place in Beijing, with a film called “Acting Dream.” (The Chinese name, “Here Comes Tao Yang,” is catchier.) Look out for our interview with Deng in the May issue of the Beijinger.
In the meantime, if you want to follow in their footsteps then go straight to the 48HFP’s official website to register. Don’t dawdle, as registration started at the beginning of April and we're told that spots fill up fast!
For those who’d rather watch, screenings of the films from the 48HFP will take place May 26-27 and June 2-3. Venues will be announced on the 48HFP website later this month.
Photo: Courtesy of Deng Chuwei
