48

THE SOUTHERN

What is the Southern 48?

SEP 11-13, 2026

The Southern 48 is a film competition where a team makes an entire film in 48 hours. That includes writing, casting, shooting, editing, and all of the things in between. It’s a fun fast paced way to learn the ends and outs of filmking as well. You don’t have to be a “pro” to participate. In fact, even people with no experience are welcome to come out and participate. Even if you don’t have a team, we can place you on a team. Each team will be given a prop, a line, and a genre at the beginning of the challenge for each team to incorporate. More info can be found below!

  • Competition Weekend Schedule:

    Friday Sep 11th: Kickoff Event at Indie Grip

    5:00pm - Networking Hour

    6:00pm - Rules and Assignments

    6:30pm - KICKOFF!

    Saturday Sep 12th: KEEP WORKING HARD!

    Sunday Sep 13th: Submission Mixer and Screening

    5:30pm - Wrap Party Begins

    6:30pm - Submission Deadline

    6:45pm - Screening Begins

    After screenings conclude the judges will deliberate and score the films

    - 7:45 pm -Awards Ceremony

  • -Anyone can participate, whether you’ve been making films for 10+ years or if this is your first time ever making a film.

    -Genres are randomly selected at the beginning of the competition.

    -Once you’ve got your genre, your team must write a script which includes a predetermined prop and line.

    -All films must be delivered no later than 48 hours after kickoff.

    -A cash prize will be awarded to the best film submitted.

    -Other awards such as Best Director, Best Sound, Best Actor/Actress, etc. will also be awarded.

    -The winning team will also have their short film screened at the Southern City Film Festival in the Homegrown Category, no submission fee required.

  • -Each team may consist of anywhere from 2-20 members.

    -A team leader must be selected for each team.

    -Members must be volunteers. Team leaders are not permitted to compensate their cast or crew, however prize money should be split between team members. 

    -Participating teams must have the rights to any music used in their film. If the team does not have rights, royalty-free music must be used.

    -Each team must have at least one representative attend the Kickoff Event, preferably the team leader. The rest of the team is also encouraged to attend. 

    -Any work on the film before kickoff is strictly prohibited.

    -Films must be submitted to Oak Film Co. via email justin@oakfilmco.com (Unlisted Youtube or Vimeo Link only)

    -In the submission email, please provide a link to your film (preferably via Vimeo or YouTube)

    -Bringing the video file on a thumbdrive is recommended in case of a playback error.

    -You can submit your film anytime before the deadline, but you can not submit it past the deadline, which is 6:30pm on Sunday

  • -Films must be between 2 and 8 minutes long (including credits).

    -Films must contain the predetermined line of dialogue and prop, and stay within the bounds of the chosen genre.

    -The required line of dialogue may be spoken, sung, or seen. For example, it can be written on a sign or piece of paper.

    -The required prop must be seen and used in some way in the film.

    -Stock footage may not be used in the films. Only footage shot within the 48 hours is permitted.

    -Before the finished film begins, the media should have:

    3 seconds of black

    A title card with: team name, title, genre, city, and date

    A title card with: This film was made for The Southern 48 Film Competition

    2 seconds of black before the film starts

    -End Credits at the end of each film are limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. (this is included in your film’s running time)

    -The end credits must include the words: This film was made for The Southern 48 Film Competition

    -Opening Credits do not cut into the 60-second end-credit time.

    -Questionable content, such as excessive cursing, sex, extreme gore, etc. should be limited. If the film contains too much of said content, it may be disqualified from the running for first prize.

    -Subtitles are required if your film features either a foreign language or dialogue that would be otherwise unintelligible.

  • $500 First Place

    $300 Second place

    $200 Third Place

    Additional prizes for:

    Best Director

    Best Actor

    Best Cinematography

    Best Editing

    Best use of the line

    Best use of the prop

  • Download them here: GOOGLE DRIVE LINK

    LAURELS