The global international film contest, the 48 hour film project is back for the second time in Botswana. In the 48 hour film project, contestants have just weekend to make a movie. All writing, shooting, editing and scoring must be completed in just 48 hours, this year, from the 10th to the 12th October. On Friday night, you are assigned a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a movie genre that must be included in your movie. 48 hours later, you must submit your film. This year 48 Hour Film Project Gaborone manager says the stakes are higher this year and also expecting more entrants this year compared to 13 submissions received this year. “Another exciting development for this year is that unlike last year when Gaborone applicants were administered from Johannesburg, Gaborone has now been certified by the mother body of the organisation and officially stands on its own with its own coordinating team” shared Thabo Makgato who is the Gaborone coordinator. Capitol cinemas will showcase the films on the 19th of October at Riverwalk mall and the winning film will feature as a trailer at the beginning of all blockbuster movies at Masa, Riverwalk and Game City, giving grand exposure to the young outstanding filmmakers.
Last year, film and media company Dee Zone Productions won the competition, and the team that produced the winning short film ‘Dozo’ got the opportunity to showcase it at the Filmapalooza in New Orleans USA. Dee Zone walked away with the national award, also being recognized as one of the top 110 out of the 4000 films competing.
African countries participating in the competition include SA, Kenya, Nigeria, and so far none has taken the overall winner award. The 48 Hour Film Project’s mission is to advance film making and promote filmmakers.