Get Your Short-Film Fix in Downtown DSM this Summer

On the weekend of July 26-28, hundreds of filmmakers in Iowa will quest to make a short film from scratch in just one weekend. They will draw their genre out of a hat and will be assigned a character, prop and a line of dialogue that must be included in a 4- to 7-minute short film. Then, just days later, those films will be screened on the big screen for the public at the Fleur Cinema. One local team will win the “Best of City Award” and will go on to represent Des Moines in the international 48 Hour Film Project competition. 2024 marks the 20th season for the 48 Hour Film Project Des Moines and it’s shaping up to be the biggest yet. Since 2005, the Des Moines 48 Hour Film Project has showcased more than 750 films including a “Best International Award” winner.

Whether you are a filmmaker or film fan we’ve got some easy ways to get your indie film fix this summer in Des Moines. Here are a few ways to be a part of the film fun...

Register a Team

Are you a filmmaker? Well, do we have the event for you. Think of it as Cinema designed as sport. It is the perfect project to push you creatively and expand your skill set. The 48 Hour Film Project forces you to stop talking and start filming! The event is open to pros and amateurs alike. You can register your film team and get the full filmmaking rundown including official rules at 48hourfilm.com/desmoines. Spaces are limited and first come, first served. You can save money if you register your team before Tuesday, July 2!

 

As you plan for your 48HFP weekend, we think you might also be interested in this list of 10 most photo-worthy places in Downtown Des Moines, and this curation of photo and video shoot locations around Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Join a Team

Not ready to register your own team but want to join one? Use our “Join a Team” Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/joindm48. Once there you can post your information and registered team leaders can contact you about being on their team. You can also list yourself as a possible shooting location or offer other production services. Be a part of a film team and make some cinema right in your own hometown. It will be so cool when you see it on the big screen.

See a Film Screening in Des Moines

One of the most exciting aspects of the 48 Hour Film Project event is the screenings. It’s a chance to see locally made short films and hear from the filmmakers. There are several chances to see original short films made right here in Des Moines.

Free Screening at The Interrobang Film Festival
Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. | Central Library in Downtown DSM
Join us at the Interrobang Film Festival, presented by Des Moines Arts Festival, for a free public screening entitled "20 Seasons of 48." Enjoy a sample of short films and filmmakers from our first 19 seasons in Des Moines. Stay after the screening for a panel discussion.

48 Hour Film Project Des Moines - Premiere Screenings
Monday, Aug. 5 – Wednesday, Aug. 7 | Fleur Cinema, Des Moines
Public screenings will showcase all completed 2024 Des Moines 48 Hour Film Project entries. The filmmakers made them just days earlier, and now you can see them all. Shows will include a Q&A panel with the film teams and a chance for the audience to vote for their favorites. Two different slates of new films will screen each night! Tickets will be available at the Fleur Cinema box office or on their website at fleurcinema.com.

48 Hour Film Project Best Of Des Moines Celebration
Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. | Fleur Cinema, Des Moines
Walk the red carpet. See the top films and find out all the winners! This awesome night includes screenings of the top judged films, an awards presentation and a live band. Tickets will be available at the Fleur Cinema box office or on their website at fleurcinema.com.

 

More Des Moines Film Fun in October

Need more 48 Hour Film Project fun after the summer sun has faded? Then don’t miss the Horror 48 event in October 2024. This horror themed variation of the 48HFP returns to Des Moines for its third year. It is scary good fun!

• Registration Opens: Friday, Aug. 23 at 48hourfilm.com/desmoines
• Filmmaking Weekend: Oct. 4-6 in Des Moines
• Premiere Screenings: Oct. 11-12 at the Fleur Cinema
• Best of Horror Screening and Costume Contest: Friday, Oct. 25 at the Fleur Cinema

Tickets to the horror shows will be available at the Fleur Cinema box office or on their website at fleurcinema.com.

For more information on the 48 Hour Film Project, including official rules, please visit 48hourfilm.com.

For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.