Lights, camera! You’ve got 72 hours to make a masterpiece
Ready to unleash your inner Quentin Tarantino?
The 2020 Gig Harbor Film Festival is looking for you — and any other filmmakers up to the challenge of making a short film on an assigned topic in 72 hours.
“This competition just keeps getting better every year,” said GHFF Executive Director Jenny Wellman. “As we say, all great talent has a beginning.”
The clock starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, when registered filmakers receive emails revealing the set of required elements that must be in each film. Filming continues through the weekend and ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.
All footage must be shot and edited during this 72-hour period, and completed films must be submitted by the Sunday deadline to be eligible.
Filmmakers compete within the age categories of 13 and under, 14-18, and 19 and up.
Registration is now open at gigharborfilm.org.
On March 22 at 9am, filmmakers and their fans will pack the IMAX stadium at Gig Harbor’s Galaxy Theatre for the screening and awards ceremony. Awards will be presented for the best film in each age group, best actor, best ensemble, and many more. A cash prize will be awarded to the best overall film of the competition.
Coffee and serendipity
Last year’s winner, “Cafe Diem,” was a four-minute film about opportunities won — or lost — in a coffee shop. The filmmaker was Dr. Christopher Kerr, a dentist.
His film went on to be screened at four other festivals, including the Manhattan International Film Festival in New York.
More than 400 people attended the final screening last year, Wellman said, and “the excitement and energy at the IMAX was simply electric.”
“We’re extremely proud of our community for supporting cinematic storytelling so enthusiastically,” she added. “The caliber of our submissions has been so impressive!”
The Gig Harbor Film Festival’s 2020 72 Hour Film Competition is open for registration until February 14. Registration is to the first 35 entrants. There is a fee. Visit gigharborfilm.org for more information about the competition, the rules, and upcoming ticket sales to the screening and awards event.
This story was originally published January 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM.