An opportunity has been opened for both aspiring and professional Nigerian filmmakers to partake in a global Short Film competition tagged '48 Hour Film Project'. The competition was initiated by an American named Mark Ruppert in 2001 to promote works of filmmakers through festivals and competitions.

This is also an avenue for filmmakers in Nigeria to compete in making the best Short Film in only 48 hours and go further to contest with their colleagues from other parts of the world for the 'Best 48 Hour Film of 2015'.

Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative in Lagos on Saturday, June 6, 2015, the City Director, Ike Nnaebue, explained the motive behind the project and the short duration of the film.

“While the time limit places an unusual restriction on the filmmakers, it is also liberating by putting an emphasis on doing instead of talking,” Nnaebue disclosed.

Explaining further, he said filmmakers are free to choose their themes and added that the teams would be given a character, a prop and a line of dialogue that must appear in their film. He said the films are expected to be a minimum of 4 minutes and a maximum of 7 minutes long.

According to him, judges to check the works “have extensive experience within the field”, who are expected to “be fair and impartial.”

“The judges on the national/international level have included actors such as Julianne Moore, directors such as Simon West (Con Air), and editors such as Thelma Schoonmaker (Raging Bull, The Departed),” Nnaebue said.

This year, the 48 Hour Film Project is expected to be taken to more than 130 cities where more than 60,000 people will make short films.

Criteria for judging and considerations for Best Film will include, Artistic Merit (story, creativity, entertainment, etc.) - 45%; Technical Merit - 30%; and Adherence to the Assignment - 25%.

An international panel of judges will select the Best Film of 2015 from among the best film of each city, while the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at Filmapalooza 2016 with a grand prize trophy and cash prize of $5000.

In addition, the top 10 films of the year from around the world will be screened at the Short Film Corner at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2016. Winner of Best Film of 2015 in each city also enjoys the Filmapalooza Screening during the official 48HFP Awards Weekend.

Also, a trophy will be presented to them at Filmapalooza, plus a Movie Magic Screenwriter Software 6: The premier screenwriting software and the choice of Hollywood. ($250 value).

Other awards may include: Best Acting, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design, Best Special Effects, Best Use of Character, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Line, and Best Writing.

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