One weekend.
One prompt.
One short film.
A cinematic sprint with real stakes.
The 24 Hour Film Challenge exists to compress the creative process into one unforgettable weekend — testing everything from writing under pressure to on-the-day producing to overnight edits. Every finished film screens on the big screen, in front of a jury of working industry professionals.
It's the fastest way to make a film that opens doors. Past winners have gone on to sign with agents, land staff writing rooms and secure short-form commissions from CCW partners.
Three steps to the start line.
Register your team
Sign up as a team of 4–10 or as a solo creative — we'll match solos into teams beforehand.
Show up on Friday
Turn up at the CCW studio at 18:00 for the opening ceremony and prompt reveal.
Deliver by Sunday 17:00
Upload your finished film before the deadline — screening and awards follow at 18:00.
48 hours, minute by minute.
Opening ceremony & prompt reveal.
Teams gather at the CCW studio to collect their prompt, genre and required element for the weekend.
Writing sprint begins.
Teams have four hours to lock a script — CCW mentors are on hand for late-night notes.
Production day.
Shoot day across Wales — teams have full autonomy over location, cast and craft choices.
Post-production takeover.
Edit suites open across Cardiff for teams needing space, gear or a colourist to lean on.
Screening & awards night.
Every film screens on the big screen at Chapter Arts Centre. Judges announce prizes on the night.
The essentials.
Read the full rulebook before you register. Anything unusual — we'd rather talk it through than disqualify.
Team size
Between 4 and 10 people per team, at least half based in Wales.
Runtime
Finished films must be between 3 and 7 minutes including credits.
Format
Any camera, any format — final delivery as ProRes or H.264 export.
Prompt
Your film must include the genre, prop and line of dialogue given at opening.
Music
Original score, licensed, or approved royalty-free tracks only.
Eligibility
Open to anyone 18+, with priority spots reserved for CCW mentees.
Worth the sleepless weekend.
Best Overall Film
£5,000 cash, festival submission support and a mentored path to your next short.
Jury Special Mention
£2,500 cash and post-production support on your next project from a CCW partner.
Best Writing · Directing · Cinematography · Performance
£500 in each craft category plus mentor pairing with a senior industry figure.
Working pros on the panel.
Every judge is actively working in Welsh Film & TV — and every mentor is on call across the weekend.
Rhiannon Lloyd
Daniel Ahmed
Nia Patel
James Okafor
Elin Morgan
Tomos Reeves
Before you sign up.
Do I need a full team to enter?+
No — you can sign up as a solo creative and we'll match you with a team during our meet-and-mix week beforehand.
Is there an entry fee?+
There's a £30 team registration fee to cover screening night and awards, waived for teams led by CCW mentees.
Can we start filming before Friday?+
No footage may be shot before the opening ceremony. Prep, scouting and casting is fine.
What gear is provided?+
Teams bring their own gear. Post-production suites and mentors are provided free across the weekend.
Start line: Friday 23 October, 18:00.
- — £30 per team (waived for CCW mentees)
- — Solo creatives welcome — we'll match you to a team
- — Screening & awards ticket included
Contact Information
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