Manchester 48 Hour Film Project's 2nd Annual Screenings & Awards Night

Lights. Camera. Chaos.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the bold, brilliant and wildly creative filmmakers behind the Manchester 48 Hour Film Project 2026 — where teams had just ONE weekend to write, shoot, edit and deliver an original short film in only 48 hours.

Now, after a weekend fuelled by caffeine, creativity and almost no sleep… the finished films hit the big screen.

✨ Experience:

• Exclusive red carpet arrivals
• Premiere cinema screenings
• Audience reactions LIVE in the theatre
• Awards presentation celebrating the best films & filmmakers
• Networking with creatives, filmmakers & industry professionals
• A celebration of independent filmmaking in the North

Hosted at the incredible Vue Cinema Manchester Printworks, this is more than just a screening night — it’s a celebration of creativity under pressure and the thriving filmmaking community within Manchester and beyond.

Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, actor, industry professional or simply love cinema — this is your chance to witness the magic of filmmaking pushed to its limits.

🏆 Awards include:

• Best Film
• Best Directing
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Acting
• Audience Choice
  …and many more.
  

The winning film will go on to represent Manchester internationally at Filmapalooza 2027, with further opportunities connected to Raindance and even Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner selection pathways.

🕓 4:00PM – 5:00PM

Strike a pose, meet the filmmakers, network and soak up the atmosphere before screenings begin.

🕔 5:00PM – 6:30PM

Watch the official Manchester 48 Hour Film Project 2026 short films premiere on the big screen for the very first time.

🕡 6:30PM – 7:00PM

Grab a drink, refill on snacks and networking and mingle with fellow filmmakers and the audience.

🕖 7:00PM – 9:00PM

Celebrating the standout films, performances and creative achievements of the competition weekend.

🕘 9:00PM – 9:30PM

Meet fellow creatives, filmmakers and teams following the ceremony.

🎬 One city. One weekend. Endless creativity.

Welcome to the Manchester 48 Hour Film Project.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Manchester 48 Hour Film Project