Seattle’s 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) returns for its 20th year this July, marking two decades of fast-paced, neighborhood-driven filmmaking, along with the debut of a new nonprofit supporting local storytellers year-round.

And it also marks a global first – Seattle is the only city in the world to reach 20 years with the same producer at the helm – Burien’s own Kirk Nordenstrom – neighborhood filmmaker, local creative champion, and community glue stick.

Over the weekend of July 11–13, teams of filmmakers will draw a genre, then race to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just 48 hours. Their work will screen for the public July 21–23 at SIFF Cinema Uptown.

“This year is a milestone not just for us, but for the entire Seattle film community,” said Kirk Nordenstrom, who has produced the event since its inception. “We’re celebrating local voices, local stories, and the incredible creative energy of this city.”

Over the past two decades, more than 11,000 Seattle creatives – from Beacon Hill to Burien – have taken the 48HFP challenge: create a short film in just two days. It’s not just a test of speed, it’s a celebration of local talent, teamwork, and stories rooted right here in the neighborhoods we love.

Meet & Greet Pizza Night is Monday Night, June 30

A meet-and-greet pizza night for participants and film fans is set for TONIGHT – Monday, June 30, 6–8 p.m. at Harbor Island Studios.

Registration and information are available at 48hourfilm.com/seattle.

A Weekend for Filmmakers. A Summer for Film Lovers.

Filmmaking Weekend: July 11–13 – teams draw a genre and race to write, shoot, and edit a film in 48 hours.
Public Screenings: July 21–23 at SIFF Cinema Uptown – walk the red carpet, cheer for your neighborhood’s creatives.
Pizza Night Meet & Greet: Monday, June 30, 6–8 p.m. at Harbor Island Studios – a creative hub co-hosted with King County Creative. Come say hi, talk shop, and grab a slice.

A Milestone Worth Sharing

This year also launches CREATE48 Media Network, a new nonprofit born from the 48HFP spirit—created to support Seattle’s independent film community year-round. Learn more at https://create48.org.

Seattle teams have gone on to win top international honors and screen at the Cannes Film Festival. But what matters most is how this event has connected our neighborhoods, fueled creative careers, and turned first-time filmmakers into lifelong storytellers.