48 Hour Film Project Returns to PVD

Anyone can spend 48 hours watching movies but some, remarkably, can spend 48 hours making one. The 48 Hour Film Project returns this July for its tenth year, bringing in around 800 filmmakers from across New England to write, shoot, edit and deliver a short film in only 48 hours. With a record-breaking 62 teams competing last year, the Project continues to grow in popularity and is still accepting teams on a first-come first-serve basis. Producer and Rhode Island Film Collaborative board member Mel Rainsberger encourages anyone to participate. “At the very least you have a good time,” she says, “At the most, you have a great time and learn a lot about filmmaking.”

The first place winner will, among other prizes, be awarded the chance to compete in the world championship to win $5,000 and a spot at the Cannes International Film Festival. Historically, winning is not out of their reach. In fact, one New England team has won first place five times and Providence’s youngest award-winning filmmakers were just nine and twelve years old. Even if you aren’t up for participating, you can watch the event begin at AS220’s main stage on July 17 as the teams draw their genre from a hat and find out what character, line of dialogue, and prop they have to use. The following week, the RISD Auditorium will host screenings of the completed movies. Whether you’re a moviegoer, a moviemaker or both, the tenth anniversary of the Providence 48 Hour Film Project is a thrilling event for all movie-lovers and the perfect way to see the Creative Capital at work. Registration $175. Kickoff July 17-19, AS220, 115 Empire St. Film screenings July 24-26, RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk. 48hourfilm.com