Select Page

“48 HR SPARKS: FALL FILM CHALLENGE” Gives Budding Filmmakers Just Two Days to Make a Movie

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | Events, News

By KEVIN HOOVER

Can a short film be written, shot and edited in just 48 hours? A group of daring filmmakers are planning on answering that very question in a few weeks.

The 48 HR SPARKS: FALL FILM CHALLENGE is a two-part affair, beginning November 7th, during which participants will be given two days to formulate and film a movie based on a surprise genre, a prop and a line of dialogue. One week later on November 16th at the Farr Best Theater in Mansfield, TX, those swiftly crafted shorts will be screened for viewers after having been scored by a panel of judges, including Dread Central’s Preston Fassel.

Produced in conjunction with the City of Mansfield and sponsored by legendary indie house Troma, the event’s purpose is designed for far more than to place creatives under the gun to turn out a film. According to the website, the structure affords participants the opportunity to “gain real-world experience under time constraints, sharpen their storytelling and production skills, learn how to make creative decisions under pressure and grow as communicators and collaborators. It’s an opportunity to fail safely, learn quickly and improve with every round.”

Visit here for more information and to register for the 48 HR SPARKS: FALL FILM CHALLENGE.

Kevin Hoover
Ever since watching CREEPSHOW as a child, Kevin Hoover has spent a lifetime addicted to horror (and terrified of cockroaches). He wholeheartedly believes in the concept of reanimating the dead if only we’d give it the old college try, and thinks FRIDAY THE 13th PART V is the best in the franchise. Aside from writing “Cryptid Cinema Chronicles” for Rue Morgue, he’s been a working copywriter for over a decade and you’ve probably bought something with his words on it. He also believes even the worst movie can be improved with buckets of gore.