A ‘real-time’ filmmaking shootout that gave crews just 48-hours to shoot, edit and submit a 4-7 minute short film!

Emerging and established filmmakers from across the region have proven that creativity thrives under pressure, with outstanding results at the 48:Hour Film Frenzy Shoot Out 2026. 

The high-energy competition challenged participants to write, shoot, edit and submit a 4–7 minute short film in just 48 hours. Filmmakers were given three key elements on the Friday night — a two-storey house location, a set of keys as a prop, and the line of dialogue: “I need to come back here.”

What followed was a whirlwind weekend of filmmaking, with little sleep and plenty of coffee, as teams worked against the clock to bring their ideas to life.

The finished films were screened across three nights at The Pivotonian Cinema, drawing enthusiastic and packed audiences.

Short films are available to watch on Geelong Waterfront Film You Tube

Films Screened at included: 

“The Spy Who Tasted Tea” – Galaxy Studios – Chase Coustley

“Neighbourhood Watch” – Take Two – Immy Smith Waters

“My Bike” – Black Dragons – Jacob Evans

“Ensemble” – There Will be Filming – Gabriel Bobele

“Found Footage” – Chirs Moore 

“Hiraeth” – Tily & Rico – Rico Wishart 

“Forgotten ?” – Parwan – Linda Carr

“Key to Courage” – Ascension Arc Studios – Rebekah Zutt –  BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“Friday the 14th” – Fusion Studio – Cillian Maher

“Chronic” – Team Giraffe – Macy Savage – JUDGES SPECIAL MENTION 

“One Night Only” – REEL Deal – Sarah Smits – BEST ACTING AWARD

“Thanks Mum” – Team D – Zac Deren – JUDGES SPECIAL MENTION 

“Chaos and Change” – Teen Girl Collective – Irelynn Evans

“Don’t Worry, We’re Professionals” – Team Choppa – Harley Biskup – BEST DIRECTOR. BEST OVERALL PRODUCTION.  

“The Rock” – Charlie Medic – JUDGES SPECIAL MENTION 

“Fear of the Unknown” – Tamara Sferco 

“Undertow” – The Phantoms – Tracie Sullivan   BEST SCRIPT & BEST OVERALL FILM AWARD. Undertow is to be screened at the North Bellarine Film Festival in November 2026. 

“Delusion” – Il Marino – Ray Lawrence

“Delivery Quest” – The Producers – Liam Stewart 

“The Clone” – John  Kaminsky

“Key to My Future” – IZA – Indiana Hovancek

The Frenzy continues to highlight Geelong as a growing hub for screen production, offering opportunities for creatives of all levels to gain hands-on experience and showcase their work.