This year marks an incredible milestone for DVMISSION as we open team registrations for the 20th anniversary of our much-loved 48-Hour Film Challenge! Since its founding in 2005, DVMISSION has become a rite of passage for filmmakers across the region, inspiring creativity and collaboration while fostering a thriving community of storytellers.
Roy Hanney, one of DVMISSION’s co-founders, reflects on the journey, “What started as a bold idea between me and Jinx Prowse to bring a dash of excitement and urgency to filmmaking has grown into something truly special. For 20 years, we’ve watched teams pour their hearts into crafting amazing stories – in just two days. It’s been a joy to see the impact DVMISSION has had on so many filmmakers and creatives.”
What began as a spark of inspiration between Roy and Jinx to create an inclusive, high-energy film challenge has since evolved into a platform that has launched careers, forged countless friendships, and cultivated a network of filmmakers that spans the region. Over the years, DVMISSION has introduced thousands to the thrill of creating under pressure, pushing participants to stretch their imaginations and deliver compelling films against the clock.
As we celebrate this 20th anniversary, we’re more excited than ever to see what stories the next generation of filmmakers will bring to life. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first-time challenger, we welcome you to join us for this landmark year. Team registration is now open – get ready to make film history with DVMISSION!
The important dates are:
Challenge Weekend: 5pm, Friday 28th February – 5pm, Sunday 2nd March 2025
Gala Screening & Awards Night: 8th March 2025, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, UK.
Before we sign off, let me drop some wisdom for those diving into the 48-hour challenge for the first time (or even if you’re a seasoned pro). Start by gathering a team that’s flexible, creative, and ready to tackle any curveballs. Make sure everyone has a clear role but can jump in wherever needed. Focus on a simple story with a strong impact—something that doesn’t rely on too many locations or complicated scenes. Plan your shoot carefully to make the most of every minute, keeping things efficient and allowing a bit of buffer time for unexpected surprises. And most importantly, embrace the adventure, enjoy the creative process, and savour every unpredictable moment—it’s all part of the fun!
For more tips check our Top Tips blog series for the low down from experienced challengers.
We’ve got a stellar line-up of prizes for the DVMISSION 48 Hour Film Challenge winners. All the info about the prizes, the rules and everything else you need will be on our competition info page.
Catch you on the flip side, filmmakers! Let’s make movie magic together.
