New York, NY (October 7 2014) - WINTER FILM AWARDS, an Independent Film Festival organization in NYC, challenges the local community to create a 4-7 minute short film in a specified genre, tagline and prop in just a single gonzo weekend!  Thirty teams of the most creative people in the tri-state area have just 48 sleepless hours to decide what they are going to do, write a screenplay, assemble props, costumes and actors, rehearse, shoot, score and edit their film.  Students, amateurs, and seasoned industry veterans alike learn the importance of caffeine, team work and time management in successful filmmaking. 

For the 2012 Challenge, teams had to contend with a large brightly-colored snowflake sugar cookie and a tagline from Fight Club.   For 2013, the Challenge was even more difficult -- Teams had a tagline from Ghostbusters and Gray Line New York provided each team with one-hour private shooting time on a double-decker sightseeing tour bus, complete with Tour Guide and Driver.  Visit the WFA YouTube playlist to view all of the amazing films.

The 2014 WFA 48-Hour Film Challenge gets under way on Friday November 7 at 8pm.  A representative from each team must come to our offices at 419 Lafayette Street, New York NY 10003 at 8pm to sign in to the Challenge.  Entries may be shot either via traditional filmmaking equipment or teams can do the whole thing on smartphones.  There is no fee to participate in the challenge, but teams must pre-register to ensure a spot. 

Completed films are uploaded to YouTube to garner the coveted "Fan Favorite" vote – for the 2013 Challenge, films received 65k views! 

On Friday November 21, the best entries will be screened at Blondies (212 W 79th St, New York NY 10024) followed by an Award Ceremony, awesome prizes and networking party.  Over $7k in prizes will be awarded for BEST PICTURE and FAN FAVORITE.  Prizes generously provided by B&H Photo, Ride of Fame, Indoor Extreme Sports, The Paint Place, Chelsea Piers, Sleep No More / The McKittrick Hotel, Pole Position Raceway, NY SKYRIDE, City Wine Tours and others! 

For challenge rules, prizes, registration details, participating sponsors and more information about the Winter Film Awards, please visit www.WinterFilmAwards.com

WINTER FILM AWARDS mission is to recognize excellence and diversity in cinema and to promote learning and expression for all artists at all stages of their careers.  We celebrate the cultural mixture that is New York City, showcasing emerging filmmakers from every age, ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, political and geographic perspective.  The 48-Hour Challenge format gives filmmakers a chance to work closely with a team and to intensely focus while just going out and doing it!