The world’s largest timed filmmaking competition, the 48 Hour Film Project, in partnership with local creative champions including Vue Cinema and PrettyGreen is landing in Manchester for the first time this June 13th – 15th, 2025.
This fast-paced global filmmaking challenge invites teams of professional filmmakers, students, hobbyists and industry hopefuls to write, shoot, and edit a short film — all within just 48 hours. The top entries will be screened at Vue Cinema Manchester on Saturday the June 28th, with the winner advancing to the global Filmapalooza 2026 and standing a chance of securing a coveted screening at the Cannes Short Film Corner.
The arrival of the 48 Hour Film Project in Manchester marks an exciting moment for the city’s rapidly expanding film scene – home to major productions from Netflix, Amazon, the BBC, Sky Studios, and Marvel. The initiative is designed not only to showcase Manchester’s thriving creative talent but to nurture emerging filmmakers from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
The 48 Hour Film Project isn’t about high-end budgets, it’s about high-energy creativity. From seasoned professionals to students armed only with smartphones, this competition is open to anyone passionate about storytelling.
Nicholas Barnard, City Producer at 48 Hour Film Project and PrettyGreen employee commented:
“Manchester is a city bursting with film talent — from indie storytellers to future Oscar contenders. The 48 Hour Film Project isn’t just another filmmaking contest. It’s a gateway for new voices to be heard and for Manchester’s film industry to showcase its brilliance on the global stage.”
Jess Hargreaves-Paczek, CEO of PrettyGreen added:
“We’re proud to support the Manchester 48 Hour Film Project and champion the city’s vibrant creative community. At PrettyGreen, we’re passionate about nurturing emerging talent and driving creativity in dynamic cities like Manchester- this partnership is a natural extension of that commitment, and we’re delighted to be supporting one of our team members’ passion projects. We actively encourage the team to have additional portfolio projects and embrace new experiences and so have flexible working hours and paid time off for charity or interest projects.”
Barnard also revealed the 2025 judging panel will include Creative Industry Veterans and Professionals from the Film Industry, Channel 4 as well as the Raindance Film Festival, all to be announced soon.
Key dates:
Registration closes on the day of Kick-Off
Competition Weekend: Friday, June 13th till Sunday, June 15th, 2025
Screenings & Awards: Saturday June 28th, 2025 at Vue Cinema Manchester
For more details, please contact:
Beyond the competition, the Manchester 48 Hour Film Project is working with various stakeholders to launch an Emerging Filmmakers Fund aimed at subsidising entry fees for aspiring directors and teams who face financial barriers – part of its mission to promote creative inclusion and opportunity. We are trying to raise £2000 through sponsorship to help cover the entry costs for 10 teams.
