Interested in working behind the scenes of P48FF?
We are looking for passionate individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors to help support the Festival.
About Us
About Us
About P48FF
What is the Paradise48 Film Festival About?
P48FF is an exhilarating cinematic challenge that brings together filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative minds to produce a short film in just two days.
The festival kicks off with a random drawing of genres and a reveal of elements which must be incorporated into each film. The following week, the Top 10 films are screened for a live audience at our Blue Carpet Screening & Award Show, and judged to compete for a variety of awards.
Beginning in 2024, P48FF is expanding our footprint regionally, opening up the platform for filmmakers across the Caribbean to unleash their creativity. This expansion promises to bring even more diversity and innovation to the festival, as it welcomes a broader range of storytellers from various islands, each poised to capture the essence of their local culture and infuse it into their 48-hour masterpieces. Despite the regional expansion, the festival’s signature Screening and Award Show will proudly remain rooted in the US Virgin Islands, where the vibrant cinematic community can gather to celebrate the magic of filmmaking.
About P48FF
What is the Paradise48 Film Festival About?
P48FF is an exhilarating cinematic challenge that brings together filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative minds to produce a short film in just two days.
The festival kicks off with a random drawing of genres and a reveal of elements which must be incorporated into each film. The following week, the Top 10 films are screened for a live audience at our Blue Carpet Screening & Award Show, and judged to compete for a variety of awards.
Beginning in 2024, P48FF is expanding our footprint regionally, opening up the platform for filmmakers across the Caribbean to unleash their creativity. This expansion promises to bring even more diversity and innovation to the festival, as it welcomes a broader range of storytellers from various islands, each poised to capture the essence of their local culture and infuse it into their 48-hour masterpieces. Despite the regional expansion, the festival’s signature Screening and Award Show will proudly remain rooted in the US Virgin Islands, where the vibrant cinematic community can gather to celebrate the magic of filmmaking.
OUR MISSION
The Paradise48 Film Festival is an initiative dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking in a unique and thrilling format. Our mission is to inspire and unite creative talents in the Caribbean, fostering innovation, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
The festival is not just an event; it’s a community of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers, brought together by the common love for the cinematic arts. We are more than just a competition; we are an incubator for talent and a hub for creativity, where filmmakers can push their limits and create memorable stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
OUR MISSION
The Paradise48 Film Festival is an initiative dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking in a unique and thrilling format. Our mission is to inspire and unite creative talents in the Caribbean, fostering innovation, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
The festival is not just an event; it’s a community of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers, brought together by the common love for the cinematic arts. We are more than just a competition; we are an incubator for talent and a hub for creativity, where filmmakers can push their limits and create memorable stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
P48FF 2024
We’re setting our sights even higher to make P48FF 2024 bigger, bolder, and the best yet!
KICKOFF EVENT
We officially kick off the Paradise48 Film Festival competition in a night of inspiration and anticipation! This energizing event sets the stage for the quick-turnaround filmmaking that makes our festival so unique.
Teams in attendance (both in person and virtual) will learn the genres and required elements that must be incorporated into their films. Teams must embrace the unexpected, as these elements will add twists and turns to your storytelling, pushing their teams to think on their feet and innovate under pressure.
Our Festival Staff will guide teams through the rules, offer invaluable tips, and share insights on how to navigate the challenges ahead. From time management to storytelling techniques, teams will get the knowledge needed to conquer the 48-hour marathon and create a memorable film.
We officially kick off the Paradise48 Film Festival competition in a night of inspiration and anticipation! This energizing event sets the stage for the quick-turnaround filmmaking that makes our festival so unique.
Teams in attendance (both in person and virtual) will learn the genres and required elements that must be incorporated into their films.
Our Festival Staff will guide teams through the rules, offer invaluable tips, and share insights on how to navigate the challenges ahead. From time management to storytelling techniques, teams will get the knowledge needed to conquer the 48-hour marathon and create a memorable film.
ABOUT THE ELEMENTS
Filmmakers must incorporate these mandatory elements into their narrative, ensuring their inclusion is creative and seamless.
Prop
The required prop must be seen and actually used. If the object is simply placed in the background, it does not qualify as a prop.
Character
Main character, supporting character, extra, background actor - it doesn't matter what role the character plays. Just ensure it is evident who the character is.
Landmark
The landmark has to be a place on each team's respective island that is easily recognizable. This includes monuments, buildings, or structures.
Line of Dialogue
Your film must include the required line of dialogue. The line of dialogue must be heard or seen, meaning it can be written.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
We’ve added more exciting activities as prelude to the highly anticipated P48FF Screening and Award Show.
We’ve added more exciting activities as prelude to the highly anticipated P48FF Screening and Award Show.
- 1. Creatives can connect with each other, share ideas, and foster collaborations at our P48 Filmmaker Networking Event.
- 2. Our P48 Reel Talk panel discussions featuring esteemed film professionals will provide valuable insights, tips, and inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, ensuring a rich learning experience.
- 3. Then to add a dash of adventure, our P48 Scavenger Hunt will take participants on a thrilling quest through the city, unveiling hidden gems and mysteries, and compete for the chance to win prizes.
- 4. The culmination of the Paradise48 Film Festival will be a celebration of cinematic achievements at our Blue Capet Screening & Award Show! A panel of judges will evaluate the Top 10 films based on creativity, storytelling, and execution.
More Creativity. More Fun.
Paradise48 Film Festival has done it again! A splendid night of ART!!!! The teams did excellent work, and I’m incredibly impressed at the top-tier production quality they had even under the 48-hour constraint. That in itself is remarkable.
I have never before seen this kind of unity, locally in the creative and film industry here in the VI. Thank you for challenging and waking up the minds and spirits of great story tellers.
Not only is the Paradise48 Film Festival one of the premiere showcases for the storytelling talent that the Caribbean has to offer, but its red carpet-lined showcase is one of the must-see events in the Virgin Islands!
P48ff HAS BEEN HONORED TO HOST AN ACCLAIMED PANEL OF EXPERT industry professional JUDGES.
STAY TUNED AS WE ANNOUNCE the 2024 JUDGES!
STAY TUNED AS WE ANNOUNCE the 2024 JUDGES!
Past Judges
John Wheatley
CEO | Executive Producer
Jalani Riley
Cinematographer
Richard Vialet, ASC
Cinematographer
Next Up For P48FF
In preparation for the upcoming P48FF, we will be hosting exclusive On-Set Production Training Workshops in early 2024.
This immersive training experience is designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with the essential skills and insights needed to navigate the fast-paced world of on-set production. Led by industry professionals, participants will delve into the intricacies of pre-production, camera operation, lighting techniques, sound recording, and teamwork dynamics—all essential elements for crafting a compelling short film under tight deadlines.
Stay tuned for more info, and don’t miss this opportunity to hone your filmmaking skills and be part of an unforgettable cinematic adventure!
Next Up For P48FF
In preparation for the upcoming P48FF, we will be hosting exclusive On-Set Production Training Workshops in early 2024.
This immersive training experience is designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with the essential skills and insights needed to navigate the fast-paced world of on-set production. Led by industry professionals, participants will delve into the intricacies of pre-production, camera operation, lighting techniques, sound recording, and teamwork dynamics—all essential elements for crafting a compelling short film under tight deadlines.
Stay tuned for more info, and don’t miss this opportunity to hone your filmmaking skills and be part of an unforgettable cinematic adventure!