The 48 Hour Hitchcock Film Competition

Get ready for a weekend of suspense, style, and cinematic pressure. The 48 Hour Hitchcock Film Competition challenges filmmakers of all ages and experience levels to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film in just 48 hours—all inspired by the master of suspense.

From Friday night’s kickoff to Sunday evening’s submission, teams will race the clock to create a 5-minute Hitchcockian short, using the same required line and the same classic Hitchcock film technique. The strongest films will be showcased during the Hitchcock Festival on the big screen.

• Entry Fee: $10 per team, due at the Kickoff Event (Free for local High School Students)
• Crew Size: Up to 10 crew members (unlimited actors)
• One film per team

Kickoff Event
The Landing, Scotts Valley
Friday, February 20th
6:00–8:00 PM
At least one team representative must attend to receive the official competition details.

Film Submission
The Landing, Scotts Valley
Sunday, February 22nd
6:00–8:00 PM
Films must be delivered in the proper format on a thumb drive. Export specs and guidelines will be provided at kickoff.

Festival Screening
Hitchcock Festival
Sunday, March 8th

Top films will be screened as part of the Hitchcock Festival.

To be eligible for festival screening, all films must:

• Be written, filmed, and edited within the 48-hour competition window
• Have a maximum runtime of 5 minutes
• Include the required line (same for all teams)
• Use the assigned Hitchcockian film technique (same for all teams)
• Be appropriate for a PG-13 audience or younger

Required elements will be revealed at the Kickoff Event.

Every team will work from:

• The same required line of dialogue
• The same Hitchcock-inspired filmmaking technique
  (examples might include suspense through blocking, voyeuristic POV, visual motifs, or sound-driven tension)

This levels the playing field and puts the focus squarely on creativity, storytelling, and execution, plus honoring the master of suspense!

Each team will receive a Crew Packet at kickoff (emailed to the team lead), including:

• Required line of dialogue
• Assigned Hitchcockian technique
• Film guidelines & technical specs
• Judging criteria
• Submission instructions

Selected films will be screened during the Hitchcock Festival on Sunday, March 8th. Filmmakers will have the opportunity to see their work on the big screen and share it with a live festival audience.

Awards and recognition details will be announced separately.