In only 52 hours, filmmakers from Johnson City have to write, direct and edit a short film to be judged for prizes for the 52 Film Fest.

“It’s where a whole lot of creatives get together,” said Jacob Higgs, who participated both this year and last, “A place where like minded creative people come together.”

This is the second annual 52 Film Festival. It started last year with a collaboration with Chris Maloney, owner of the Wallace Theatre, and Shara Lange, head of the Radio/Television/Film program at ETSU.

The 52 Film Fest started on Friday, March 3 at 8 a.m. The films were due on Sunday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration for teams ended on Feb. 28.

There are usually eight to 12 teams participating each year from universities, high schools, middle schools and the community.

Each film had to follow specific prompts given to teams on a hard drive. The prompts usually include a specific line of dialogue, a shot of something and a prop. Filmmakers are allowed to pick their own genre and make any other artistic choices. If the teams do not follow the prompt or submit their films on time, they will be disqualified. The films have to be at most five minutes and twenty seconds long or risk being disqualified.

Lange said that this festival helps bring out creativity and gives experience in a limited time.

“There is an appetite for local film,” said Lange. “It is a way to exercise creativity.”

A screening of the films was held at the Wallace Theatre, where the winning filmmakers received prizes.

Prizes included cash prizes, Create Appalachia passes, Action VFX packs, a Roku streaming stick, Wallace Theatre packages and film festival submissions. The judges were locals experienced in media and filmmaking: Rodolphe Pierre-Louis, Luke , Catherine Heinesurdean, Jacy Richardson and Pat Cronin.

The sponsor of the film festival is Wallace Theatre, ETSU’s Media and Communication Department, Action VFX, Crumb Bakeshop, Spark Plaza, Dos Gatos and Create Appalachia.

Moriah Hall, a participant and president of Buc Films, emphasized how important it is to form a plan beforehand. Hall worked as a producer, assigning rolls to people participating in Buc Films.

“There is a role for everyone in pre-production, production and post production,” Hall said. “It’s an opportunity to experience.”

Higgs emphasized the importance of a team working together. He said a good team during a festival like this is one who knows and does their job.

“Everyone should make sure they know their role,” said Higgs. Amanda Sneed, a participant last year and this year, said the process is stressful but fun. She said that the best thing she can do as an actor is listen.

“The thing I need to do is listen to the directing,” said Sneed.

For more information on the 52 Film Fest, visit https://wallacetheatre.com/film_fest.

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