Are you up for the challenge?
The CMAC 72-Hour Film Race is a creative challenge open to everyone in the Fresno area. Participants will have to think on their feet to produce a short film in under 72 hours. From the thrill of brainstorming under pressure to the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life on screen, the Film Race is an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s more than just a competition, it’s a chance to push your creative limits and collaborate with like-minded creators. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this is a platform to showcase your skills. Get ready for 72 hours of pure filmmaking frenzy!
This year, there’s a slight twist.
What do the movies Tangerine, Unsane, and 28 Years Later all have in common? They were all filmed on a phone, and this year we’re doing just that. For the 2025 Film Race, all content must be shot using a mobile device. Whether it’s an iPhone, a Samsung, or a flip phone, it must be completely shot using the phone’s camera.
How it works
- Sign Up
Register to participate in the race by July 31st. - Kickoff
The race starts at Noon on Friday, August 1st at CMAC. A member of each team must be present to pick up their packet, which includes your film’s title and a theme, action, or prop that must be incorporated. We suggest arriving 15-30 minutes early. - The Race
Teams will race against the clock to script, shoot, and edit a 3 to 5 minute film over the next 72 hours. - Deadline
Films must be submitted online via Dropbox or in-person at CMAC by Noon on Monday, August 4th, to qualify for judging. - Judging
Films will be evaluated for creativity and technical skill, not how fast they are completed. - Screening
Time permitting, all films will be screened at a free public event on Friday, August 22nd, at CMAC, and prize winners will be announced.
TBA
Prizes will be awarded to the team leader. Team leaders of all ages are eligible to win the Gold, Silver or Bronze prizes. Only teams with a director age 18 or under are eligible to win the Youth prize.
Support
Want to support this and future Film Races? Donate today and be a part of a community that uplifts stories from local filmmakers!
General information:
Ben Cruz
Production Specialist
Ben@cmac.tv
Front Desk
559.266.2622
Info@cmac.tv
Marketing information:
Maricela Hernandez
Marketing & Development Coordinator
Marketing@cmac.tv
Timeline
FAQs
What is the CMAC Film Race?
It’s your chance to stop talking and start filming! The premise? Filmmaking teams have just 72 hours to make a short film. All writing, shooting, and editing must occur in the 72-hour window beginning Friday, August 1st, at noon. The completed films are screened to a public audience.
How much does it cost?
Free.99 (There’s no entry fee, it’s free.)
What can my film be about?
That’s up to you. Stories of all genres are welcome. However, each team will be given their film’s title and theme, action, or prop which must be incorporated. You’ll receive a packet containing your team’s special elements at Noon on August 1st at CMAC.
How long should my film be?
Films must be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes long. This includes any opening or closing credits and team logos, but not the required CMAC Film Race 2025 title card.
How will the films be judged?
The films will be scored by a judging panel of CMAC staff and board members. The judges will use the following criteria: 40% Story (Writing, Originality, Character, and Plot Development); 20% How The Story Is Told (Directing, Editing, and Cinematography); 20% Production Value (Technical Ability Including Picture, Sound and Lighting); and 20% Acting.
How can I prepare for the race?
The ONLY work that can take place PRIOR to the kick-off at noon on August 1st is (1) the organizing of cast members and crew members; (2) the securing of equipment; (3) the scouting and securing of locations; (4) coming up with story ideas. Just keep in mind that you will need to incorporate the title and a theme, prop or action that we choose for you and provide on August 1st.
Who can participate?
The race is open to all filmmakers, pro and novice alike. All team members (crew and cast) must be volunteers. To register, you only need the name of the “team leader”. You do not need to have your complete team or cast & crew before you register.
I would like to participate but I don’t have a team. How can I join a team?
You can be a team of 1! Or ask your friends or family if they want to help. You can also join our CMAC Discord group and see if anyone is looking for team members.
Can I use CMAC equipment to make my film?
Yes, however, CMAC equipment can only be used by CMAC members. This includes any portable field equipment and editing computers. Equipment reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve early!
Can I use footage I already shot?
No. All production and creative work relating to your film must take place ONLY during the 72-hour period. This includes, but is not limited to, script writing, shooting, editing, sound design, animation, and special effects. No work may commence until the kick-off date. Pre-recorded music and sound effects may be used as long as you have rights to said material. CMAC reserves the right to determine whether any production work has taken place at any time other than within the required time frame.
Can I use stock footage?
Stock video footage of people or other performers is not allowed. You may use stock footage if it is part of a rendered post-production effect. You may also use stock footage if it is displayed on a practical TV or monitor that is recorded in-camera.
Are animation or visual effects allowed?
Yes. However, you may not use animation created before the race begins. Using existing 3D objects is permissible, provided that you have copyright permissions. Only animation created during the 72 hour period is allowed. You may use visual effects that involve any of the allowed elements that you have rights to: still photographs, footage shot during the 72 hours, or footage rendered during the 72 hours.
Am I able to use AI?
No AI usage is allowed. Your film is subject for rejection if AI is used.
Can I use copyrighted music or materials in my film?
No. You must have permission or ownership of all music and materials in your film. CMAC reserves the right to request proof of permission.
Can I record inside CMAC’s media center?
No. Due to the number of teams involved and the short time frame, you can not record inside CMAC’s media center.
How do I deliver my completed film?
Completed films should be uploaded to CMAC’s Dropbox account (a link will be provided to all registered teams) or delivered in person at CMAC on a hard drive or flash drive by noon on Monday, August 4th.
Where and when will the films be shown?
All films submitted within the time period and meeting all the rules will be screened at a special event on Friday, August 22 at 6:30 pm, location to be announced. The films will also air on CMAC’s Public Channel at a later date.
How do the prizes work?
Prizes will be awarded in the form of a check made out to the team leader. The Youth prize will be a gift card that can be spent at Horn Photo. Taxes on prizes awarded in the contest, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner and CMAC shall bear no liability.
Past Editions
Check out all the amazing past submissions in these playlists from our 72-hour Film Race in 2024, 60-hour Film Race in 2018, and 12-hour Film Race in 2017.
