Sutherland creatives invited to get involved in Scotland’s ‘biggest filmmaking event’

Sutherland producers and directors are invited to get involved in Scotland’s biggest filmmaking event, the 48 Hour Film Project, which is staging its first-ever competition this summer.

Scheduled for July 19-21, and hosted by Eden Court, the event is expected to attract filmmakers from across Scotland and beyond to make a short film in the Highlands.

Filmmakers will turn up at Eden Court on Friday, July 19 evening for the kickoff event, where they will each draw a different pair of genres out of a hat. They must make their film in one of their chosen genres, ranging from romance, sci-fi, buddy film, comedy, or even musical.

Then, a character, prop and line of dialogue will be announced that must be included in every film.

Filmmakers have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit their mini masterpieces, which must be between four and seven minutes long, before uploading it to the official website on Sunday evening, July 21.

All films will be screened at Eden Court on Wednesday, July 24 evening, followed by an awards party where winners will be announced in several categories.

The winner will get a free trip to Filmapalooza, the international 48 Hour Film Festival, to be held in Seattle, Washington, USA in March 2025.

Films are judged by top industry professionals. Previous winners have gone on to have entire BBC TV series produced (James Price, Dog Days) and have their films shown on STV (Neil Boyle, 1815). Even TV’s new Rebus, Richard Rankin, once starred in a film as part of the project.

Registration is now open at 48hourfilm.com/inverness

Supported by Screen Scotland, the 48 Hour Film Project has been running since 2008, having produced and screened over 1000 films now, but this is the first event in the Highlands.

The 48 Hour Film Project is produced by husband and wife Sam Goldblatt and Louise E Knowles. Louise, from Aberdeenshire, is passionate about expanding filmmaking opportunities beyond the Central Belt.

She said: “We can’t wait to see what filmmakers from Inverness, the Highlands and Islands have to offer. It’s so important for filmmakers from all over Scotland to be represented on screen, for their voices to be heard and their stories to be told in their own unique ways.”

Sam added: “We’re excited to see and hear stories from Inverness, the Highlands and Islands. From Ullapool to Eigg, from Stornaway to Spean Bridge, we want to connect with anyone who has ever wanted to share their story on the big screen. Anyone can enter – no experience required.”

Drew Tremlett, engagement producer in film for Eden Court, said: “We are delighted to welcome the 48 Hour Film Project to Eden Court and to the Highlands and Islands region for the first time ever.”

Registration is now open and bursaries are available to enter.

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