Summer is filmmaking season and if the sunshine isn’t enough to inspire you to get your camera purring, we’ve got just the thing.
The IAC Summer Film Making Challenge is taking place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July. This unique competition originated in the Midlands but, owing to the power of Zoom, is open to amateur filmmakers anywhere.
The challenge is to make a film from scratch in just 48 hours. Your production will require quick thinking, quick filming, and quick editing. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer’s weekend.
The fun begins on the evening of Friday 25th July, when you’ll be invited to a specially convened Zoom meeting. At this meeting, two themes will be revealed. Your challenge will be to make a film based on one (or both) of these themes by 4pm on Sunday evening. By this time, you will have made your film, uploaded it to YouTube, and sent the link to the competition officer.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the meeting on Friday evening. Once the themes have been announced, they will be published on the IAC’s Facebook page and emails will be sent to anyone who has expressed interest.
All films will be shown at a special Zoom film show, starting at 7pm on Sunday 27th July.
Howard Smith FACI(M) will be our special guest judge for the event and will choose a winner of our highly coveted Midsummer trophy. No matter who wins the prize, the real winners will be the filmmakers.
The competition is open to anyone, whether they are individuals, clubs, or friends getting together. The style of film is up to you. All that we ask is that you stick to the theme and keep the duration to a maximum of five minutes.
We’ve had some brilliant entries in recent years that have gone on to win awards at BIAFF. Perhaps we’ll see some more award-winning gems in the crop of 2026.
Keep your eye on the IAC Facebook page for further information.
The link for Friday’s meeting and the Sunday film is the same:
https://bit.ly/CEMRIACSummer2025
Have a happy summer.
