Neptune Cinema: 53-Hour Film Fest
Neptune Cinema Presents the 53-Hour Film Challenge
Memphis, TN — Neptune Cinema invites filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives to take part in the 53-Hour Film Challenge, a high-energy competition designed to spotlight local talent and foster creative collaboration. The challenge begins Friday, September 19 at 6:00 PM at Flyway Brewing and runs through Sunday, September 21 at 11:59 PM.
Open to the public (ages 18+, or with parental/guardian consent), teams will have just 53 hours to write, shoot, edit, and score an original short film no longer than 7 minutes. At kickoff, each team will:
- Draw a random genre from a punch bowl
- Receive a prop that must appear in their film
- Be given a required line of dialogue to include
Awards & Screening
Films must be submitted by the deadline to qualify for awards. Late submissions will still be screened but will not be eligible for prizes. The screening and awards ceremony will be held at Flyway Brewing on Friday, September 26, where the winner of Best Film will receive:
- A 1-year membership to The Auteur Club, an exclusive invite-only collective supporting filmmakers with job placement, production resources, and entertainment law guidance
- A 30-minute film business consultation call
Why It Matters?
The 53-Hour Film Challenge was created to support local artists and filmmakers, offering a platform to collaborate, network, and showcase their work. It’s a unique opportunity for emerging talent to create, screen their films before a live audience and connect with Memphis’s vibrant creative community.
- To register and learn more, visit
