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72 Film Fest returns for a milestone weekend of original storytelling and creative chaos. Dozens of Filmmakers from Frederick and across the U.S. race against the clock to write, shoot, and edit an original short film in just 72 hours —all based on individualized criteria given at the Launch Party. The results? Surprising. Hilarious. Moving. And entirely unpredictable. For the first time, this year only local-ish teams will screen at the Weinberg Center, with remote teams around the country screening simultaneously online. It’s only the first part of expanding 72 Film Fest into a nationwide contest in the coming years.Now in its 20th year, the 72 Film Fest has become a cornerstone of the Frederick creative community, celebrating bold, fast-paced filmmaking. Each team has just 72 hours to write, shoot, and edit an original short film based on a given prompt.
Hosted by Mikael Johnson and Doug Powell
FRIDAY NIGHT:
All of the local entries premiering live at the special Friday night screening.
1st Block – 6:30 PM Students | Amateurs
2nd Block – 8:30 PM Amateurs | Pros
SATURDAY:
The Saturday screening showcases the finalists and award winners of these cinematic sprints, giving audiences a chance to witness fresh talent and imaginative storytelling, followed by the award ceremony.
Just Announced: The feature film anthology The Black Hills Night Hike based on Appalachian myths and legends screens at 3pm! A handful of past and present 72 Film Fest teams wrote and directed the shorts including Snallygaster, Upper Melinda Witch, Chessie, Goat Man, Jericho Covered Bridge and more…come celebrate the first screening of the full feature film.
1st Block – 12:30 PM Select Year 20 Online Entries
2nd Block – 3:00 PM The Black Hills Night Hike Feature Film Screening
3rd Block – 7:00 PM Main Event with Finalists and Award Nominees from 2025
$15 for 1 Day or $25 for 2 Days
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Weinberg Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701-6952, United States
Tickets
