That’s a wrap! Bronx Film 48 hosted its 5^th Annual 48-Hour Film Challenge last month with the winning films announced during a special outdoor screening and presentation held in the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood on Friday, Aug. 11.

 

The evening’s event, which was also being recorded by videographers on the night, was organized in collaboration with the City’s parks’ department and Bronx Council on the Arts. Katelyn Prieto, community liaison at Bronx Film 48, said the annual 48-hour short filmmaking challenge “[helps] creatives in the community push themselves and celebrate the resilient artistry of The Bronx.”

 

Ayaris Perez and Edwin Torres are the co-founders of Bronx Film 48, a collective of artists who they say are committed to elevating cinema culture in the borough. During the challenge, filmmaking teams compete to make the best short film possible within a 48-hour time limit.

Eleven short films spanning a range of topics were screened on the night and there were also Q&A sessions held afterwards. Each contestant or group of contestants had concentrated on a particular film genre for their challenge and were given a list of required elements to include in the final cut. These ranged from a given character name, a prop, a quote, a location, and more. All films had to be shot, edited, and filed within 48 hours. Awards were presented in a variety of film production categories from scripting to cinematography to editing, etc.

 

It was the first time for Katia Etienne (lead actor) and Patrice Payne (director) to participate in the event and their first time to create a short film. They said they “blindly” chose a mockumentary theme, which they said was based on an ancestor. Payne said of their genre, “We were just excited about that because we love shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks & Rec.’”

 

Etienne added, “Yeah, it was fun! It was random! It was wild!” On the time constraints involved, Payne said, “We were nervous but also excited, and it was also like crunch time because it was such a quick turnaround!”

Gregory Hernandez, who is also a co-founder of Bronx Film 48, and director of the award-winning documentary “1.5 Million,” which discusses literacy in The Bronx, was present on the night, though not a contestant. “I love that the organization is continuing to grow and continuing to develop,” he said. “I’m here to support, and I’m so excited to see more films made in The Bronx.”

 

We asked contestants, Amir Windley, director, and Nicholas Velez, who said he helped with lighting and behind-the-scenes, what their motivation was for participating in the challenge. “Well, as a filmmaker, you’re always going to be challenged, and you’re not going to get anywhere in life just standing there waiting for something to happen,” said Windley. “You got to go out there and find a challenge for you.” Meanwhile, Velez said, “My motivation was just to meet other filmmakers who were just as passionate about creating stories and putting forth film and working together.”

 

Bronx Film 48 seeks to create a space for aspiring filmmakers of color to meet, network, and ultimately create. The organization hosts networking events, accessible public screenings, workshops, in addition to its annual 48-hour film challenge.

Of the winners on the night, Torres said he had some favorites but explained that the ultimate decision was left up to four independent judges, adding there were some who he thought might have placed but the judges obviously thought differently. “The fact that the films are made [at all] and shown online is reward in itself too,” he said.

 

Marcela Torres, mother to Edwin, who was also present on the day to watch the proceedings, help distribute food and lend general support was happy with its success, saying, “The Bronx creates opportunity to showcase filmmakers and writers and actors, and they do it through a really fun event that brings the community together, and that’s just the best of everything; you showcase, and you share!”

The film challenge is open to creatives over the age of 18 with all levels of experience. For more information on it, and on where to view this year’s films, visit bronxfilm48.com or follow their social media channels.

 

Of the overall experience, Payne concluded, “If anyone is inquiring about doing the challenge, take the leap and have fun! It’s a wonderful experience and it’s a challenging one if you’re working / going to school, but if I can do it with five jobs at the time, anybody can do it! Go for it!”