Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project

The Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project is kicking off the 2026 season with a mixer at Brewnuts! Join us on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30pm for an evening of networking, donuts & drinks. We'll have some important updates to share, along with raffle prizes and giveaways. Whether you’re a returning team or brand new to the 48, this is the perfect night to meet other filmmakers, find your crew, and register for the summer competition!

Interested in learning how to win $50,000 to make a short film? is hosting a panel of filmmakers who’ve competed for the $50,000 Louisiana Film Prize share details of their experience with this incredible event. Learn how this event has inspired an entire community of artists and helped build a vibrant filmmaking culture! Come join us this Sunday, April 12 at 10am!

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.clevelandfilm.org/screenings/panel-film-prize-how-to-win-50000-making-a-short-film-2026/

The 2026 genres have officially dropped—and yes… we’ve added two brand new ones to the mix.
Time to start imagining, strategizing, and maybe slightly panicking (in a good way). Take a look at the full list and get ready—your genre draw is coming. 🎥

is hosting its Spring Media Mixer tonight at at 6pm! This FREE event is a great opportunity for current and aspiring film professionals to network, get local industry updates, and learn more about what the GCFC has to offer. Hope to see you there!

Ready for a worldwide filmmaking challenge?
The Global 48 takes place April 10–12 — and filmmakers from everywhere can join. Early Bird registration ends March 17, so don't miss out! https://www.48hourfilm.com/global48

From Dustin Lee, City Producer:

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to step down as the City Producer of the Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project. The last two years have been a fun and exciting challenge, but the amount of time, energy & commitment that this position demands has simply become unsustainable for me.

Just like when it comes to making a 48 Hour film, time is the most precious and important commodity that we have in life. Beyond running the 48, I also divide my time with a full-time day job, serving on the Associate Board for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, making movies and helping others make their own movies when I can.

Giving my time to the 48 these last two years has often come at the expense of all of these things, but none more so than the time I have lost with my family. I have a wife and two kids who will not be kids forever. They deserve more of my time right now.

I will absolutely remain connected and involved with the independent film scene here in Cleveland. There is so much talent in our city, and I want to continue making movies and telling stories with all of you. My last day will be May 6, when registration opens for the summer 48. I will be available to assist the new City Producer (whoever that may be) in transitioning into the role.

Thank you to all of our partners, sponsors, & judges who I have had the good fortune to have worked with these past two years. Most importantly, thank you to our amazing filmmakers and the audiences that have come out to support their films in theaters.

One of my favorite quotes on filmmaking comes from Steven Spielberg:

“Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic. No matter what the movie’s about.”

Every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen, whether it’s a Hollywood epic or a short film made in a single weekend. I will always be ready to see what magic we can make next in Cleveland.

Dustin Lee

The .sweet.film.fest kicks off this week with over 300 short films playing from March 2-8 at the Atlas Cinema in Shaker Square! Check out their website for screening info and tickets!

Grab your friends and join the CIFF Young Professionals Group for a fun, laid-back trivia night celebrating film, pop culture, and all things CIFF 🎬✨

Come with a team or sign up solo. We’ll match you up. Each ticket includes one $7 drink ticket, plus a night of laughs, food, drinks, and great company as we kick off CIFF50 🥂

Get your tickets here: https://ciff50.eventive.org/schedule/697b7fb092f1f389ae644c4d

Filmmakers everywhere — this one’s for you. 🌍🎬 Registration for Global 48 is open! This online competition is open to anyone, anywhere!

Compete alongside filmmakers across the globe, go for cash prizes, and high school teams get their own special award.

One weekend. One film. No borders.
Rally your team. Let’s go global! https://www.48hourfilm.com/global48/

Producers,
Indra and Duane

Cleveland Camera Rental is hosting a networking event January 28! Hope to see you all there!

Cleveland creatives! Mark your calendars + join us next week for a special networking event right here at Cleveland Camera Rental!👀🎥

Be the first to know about our fun, upcoming events, projects and demos — get listed on our crew page AND learn more about our gear sale + subrenting! Or just come to hang and get some free food + drinks. 🙂 see you soon!

Event Details:
📍1419 E 40th St. Cleveland, OH
🗓️Wed. Jan. 28th
🕔5PM-8PM