This past weekend the Putnam Museum and Science Center hosted its second annual 48 Hour Film Challenge. The challenge invites filmmakers of all experience levels to create an original short film in just 48 hours based on a randomly selected theme.
Once completed, the films are showcased on the GIANT Screen and evaluated by both a panel of judges and the audience. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy event that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and storytelling under pressure. Each year brings a new theme and fresh surprises, ensuring no two challenges are ever the same.
On Friday, October 10, at 4 p.m., participating teams received their theme — Evolve — and set off to begin their creative process. Eight teams participated in this year’s challenge, racing against the clock to turn in their work by 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 12. At 6 p.m., family, friends, and film enthusiasts alike arrived to show their support and see the films on the GIANT Screen.
The short films were shown in two blocks, four before a brief intermission and four after, showcasing an impressive range of genres, tones, and storytelling techniques. A panel of distinguished judges scored the films based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and overall impact. This year’s judges included:
Michael Mehuys, Alternating Currents film festival team; Alexander Clark, Artifekz Studios and Xpreshion Multimedia; Linda Cook, digital reporter and content producer at OurQuadCities.com/WHBF; and professional film critic Scott Raper, general manager of The Last Picture House.
The teams waited in anticipation as the judges and audience cast their votes for the night’s winners.
And the winners are Critic’s Choice Award: “Real Life” – Little Giant Productions; and Audience Favorite Award: “Dance of the Monarch – Omitted.”
Winning teams received cash prizes, custom trophies, waiver codes to submit their films to Alternating Currents 2026, and movie passes to The Last Picture House. The winning films will also be featured on select Thursday night screenings at the Putnam.
Because of the success of this year’s event, the 48 Hour Film Challenge will return in 2026, beginning on Oct. 9 with film screenings on Oct. 11.
About the Putnam
The Putnam Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, brings to life a sense of place, time and purpose to ignite human potential and inspire our diverse community to learn about and care for our world and all its people. For more than 150 years, guests have experienced the Putnam’s permanent exhibits ranging from Unearthing Ancient Egypt to our family-favorite science galleries, as well as an array of programs and internationally recognized traveling exhibits. The Putnam is dedicated to helping guests discover and explore in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
For more information about events and exhibits, visit here.