The 2Day Film Challenge has wrapped its inaugural festival, with 8,000 film makers across, 710 teams registering to take part from 36 countries around the world, and 305 teams going the distance to write, shoot and submit a complete short film within a single 48-hour window. In total, close to 8,000 filmmakers signed up across the globe, ranging from complete first-timers and solo entrants to seasoned industry professionals, proof that the Challenge belongs to anyone with a story to tell, regardless of experience or background.
The competition, delivered in partnership between London Film School, LAMDA and RD Studios, opened its official brief at 7pm British Summer Time on Friday 3 July, setting participants loose on a race against the clock to create bold, original 3-5 minute short films by the Sunday 5 July deadline. Open to entrants worldwide, free to participate and requiring no prior professional experience, the Challenge was designed to strip away the barriers that so often stand between emerging filmmakers and their first opportunity to be seen.
In the end, registrations were received from 36 countries, with 17 countries going on to submit a completed film. The United Kingdom led the way with 583 teams, followed by India with 35 teams, Germany with 11 teams, and the United States with 10 teams alongside contributions from dozens of other countries spanning every populated continent, showcasing the global reach of 2Day Film Challenge.
2Day Filmmaking judge, Benedict Cumberbatch - credit Steve Schofield
2Day Filmmaking judge, Mike Leigh
2Day Filmmaking judge, Indira Varma
Shortlisted films will now go before a judging panel comprising director Mike Leigh, award-winning actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Indira Varma, and IMDb Founder and Executive Chair Col Needham, who will select the winning films to be showcased at a live gala event on Saturday 19 September at LAMDA’s Sainsbury Theatre in London. Winners will receive cash prizes, £20,000 worth of production support and equipment hire, fast-track access to London Film School MA applications, and industry networking opportunities.
Beyond the numbers, it was the people and the stories behind them that defined the weekend. Entries came from families, friends, students and professionals alike, all racing the same 48-hour clock:
Taking part in a two-day film challenge with kids was a fun and rewarding experience. It was inspiring to see everyone's creativity, enthusiasm, and teamwork as we developed ideas, filmed scenes, and brought the stories to life. Despite the short timeframe, everyone worked together to solve problems, learn new skills, and create something we were proud of. It was a great opportunity to build confidence, encourage imagination, and show how much can be achieved through collaboration.Khushboo Agawal, India, 2Day Film Challenge participant
My daughter came home from Uni and said she was going to do this 2Day challenge… would I help her? Would I? Nope. Instead I got two friends together and we made our own. Saturday consisted of two different films by two different generations being shot in the same semi-detached house… each taking turns to be quiet or use the rooms available. Neither knowing what the other was up to. Then on Sunday evening we all sat down and had our own mini 2 film festival. So much fun!Adrian Smith, UK, 2Day Film Challenge participant
With submissions now closed, attention turns to the shortlisting process ahead of LAMDA’s Gala in September, where the very best of this year’s 305 films will be celebrated on stage in front of the judging panel and the wider industry.
For more information and future updates, visit www.2dayfilmfestival.co.uk
