The 2025 72-Hour Film Race Winners Are Here!

Congratulations to the 2025 72-Hour Film Race Winners!

The countdown clock ticked down, creativity soared, and Central Valley filmmakers delivered big! Over the course of one wild weekend, teams had just three days to script, shoot, and edit a short film from scratch. The results were nothing short of impressive, featuring thrillers, comedies, and heartfelt stories that wowed both judges and the audience.

A huge congratulations goes out to all of this year’s winners who took home prizes for their incredible work and bold storytelling. Each film proved just how much talent lives in our community.

Three Words

Team: OZM | Team Lead: Jason Wada

GOLD

Watch Now

Somewhere in Between

Team: Violette Films | Team Lead: Chris Velazquez

Silver

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Miles To Go

Team: Wheatfield and Crows | Team Lead: Marcos Villarreal

Bronze

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The Shortcut

Team: The Earley Birds | Team Lead: Johana Earley

Youth Division

Watch Now

Watch More!

The winners impressed the judges. But the full lineup? That’s where the thrill begins. Every film brings a new world, a bold vision, and a story you won’t forget. Don’t miss a single frame!

What Is the 72-Hour Film Race?

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!

What’s the Twist?

Each year comes with a surprise. For this 2025 round, everything must be shot on a mobile/tablet device. iPhones, Androids, flip phones, whatever you’ve got in your pocket.

We’re taking a cue from films like Tangerine, Unsane, and 28 Years Later, all of which were made using phone cameras. You don’t need a big budget or a film crew to tell a great story. All you need is a phone, a team, and an idea that just won’t let you sleep.

Sponsors


CMAC 72-Hour Film race is made possible through funding from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and Horn Photo.

Quick Links

Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Past Winners

Support

Want to support this and future Film Races? Donate today and be a part of a community that uplifts stories from local filmmakers!

Donate Today!

Awards & Recognition

Our 72-Hour Film Race honors the hard work and imagination that go into making a film in just three days. We offer multiple awards to recognize standout projects across different categories, including a special Youth Division to spotlight emerging filmmakers.

Here’s what winners can look forward to:

GOLD – $800

Awarded to the top film that stands out for its creativity, technical skill, and overall impact.

SILVER – $400

Given to the runner-up film that showcases exceptional storytelling and strong execution.

BRONZE – $200

Presented to the third-place film that demonstrates a unique vision and promise.

YOUTH DIVISION – $350 Horn Photo gift card

Special recognition and award for the best film created by young filmmakers (18 and under).

Timeline

  • August 22

    Public Screening

    Grab your popcorn as we watch all the films and announce the winners on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Maya Cinemas.

  • August 4

    Deadline

    Submit your film online via Dropbox or in-person at CMAC by Noon, no exceptions.

  • August 1

    Race Begins

    Packets for each team will be handed out at Noon sharp and must be picked up by 1pm at the latest.

  • July 24

    Q&A Session

    Have any questions about the Film Race? Join our Virtual Q&A Session on Zoom at 6 p.m.

  • July 7

    Announcement

    Get your team ready and mentally prepare for the straight 72 hours of filmmaking!

How it works

  1. Sign Up
    Register by July 31, 2025, to participate.
  2. 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.
  3. The Race
    Teams will race against the clock to script, shoot, and edit a 3 to 5-minute film over the next 72 hours.
  4. Deadline
    Films must be submitted online via Dropbox or in person at CMAC by Noon on Monday, August 4th, to qualify for judging.
  5. Judging
    Films will be evaluated for creativity and technical skill, not how fast they are completed.
  6. Screening
    All films will be screened on Friday, August 22nd, at Maya Cinemas, where prize winners will be announced.

FAQs

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.

Free.99 (There’s no entry fee, it’s free.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

No AI usage is allowed. Your film is subject for rejection if AI is used.

No. You must have permission or ownership of all music and materials in your film. CMAC reserves the right to request proof of permission.

No, the title card and ending credits don’t count towards the 5 minute time limit.

No. Due to the number of teams involved and the short time frame, you can not record inside CMAC’s media center.

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. 

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.

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 Winners

Explore the amazing work from past Film Races and see what local filmmakers have created in just 72 hours. From laugh-out-loud comedies to powerful dramas, each winning film proves that a great story can come together in just three days with a little pressure and a lot of creativity. Get inspired by their talent and imagine what you could create when the clock starts ticking!

2024 | 72-Hour Film Race

Horn Photo sponsored our 2024 Film Race, helping elevate local filmmakers and enrich our creative community.

Moments of Truth

Team: OZM | Team Lead: Juan Herrera

GOLD

In a universe where every encounter is woven into a grand design, a commitment-averse man confronts his deepest fears when an unexpected journey forces him to choose between perpetual avoidance and embracing a love that could redefine his destiny.

This introspective yet comedic tale, which clinched first place in the 2024 72-Hour Film Race, masterfully intertwines themes of fate, friendship, and the courage to commit. 

The team also took home a 2025 W.A.V.E. Award as Community Producers in the Narrative Film category.

Watch Now

Echoes of the Past

Team: Hume Film Group | Team Lead: Jackson Cummings

SILVER

Savanah, a young woman trying to rebuild her life in a small, tranquil mountain town, writes a heartfelt letter to her mother, revealing both her yearning for home and her cautious steps toward a new future. As she describes falling for a kind, attentive boy who reignites her hope, an internal voice rooted in past trauma and self-doubt rises up, questioning her worthiness of love and happiness. This tender yet turbulent journey exposes the fragile line between healing and relapse, showing how even in the safety of new surroundings and caring relationships, old wounds can echo loudly. Ultimately, Savanah’s words reflect a profound struggle to reconcile who she was with who she hopes to become, suggesting that while scars remain, the promise of love and self-acceptance can still grow.

Watch Now

The Forgotten Path

Team: The News Photog Crew | Team Lead: Marco Rosas

BRONZE

What starts as a clown running late for a birthday gig turns sinister when police reveal a body has been found nearby, and he is their prime suspect. Residents who once laughed at his jokes struggle to reconcile this new, frightening image. As tension grips the neighborhood, the clown finally shows up, still determined to bring joy to the party. But with doubt swirling, no one can be sure if they are welcoming an innocent entertainer or a dangerous killer.

Watch Now

The Edge of Forever

Team: Jolly Goodfellas | Team Lead: Riley Gentz

YOUTH DIVISION

A group of teens scramble to uncover the unaired ending of their favorite show, resorting to outrageous plans and chaos, only to realize they might be in over their heads—and their eyes might never be the same again.

Their team earned 1st place in the youth division, showcasing their creativity and dedication. They were also recipients of the 2025 W.A.V.E. Award.

Watch Now

Watch More!

Want to see even more creativity in action? Don’t stop at the winners. Check out all the films submitted during the race. Every team brought something unique to the screen, and you might just discover a hidden gem or your next favorite local filmmaker. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the full lineup!

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.

72 Hour Film Race

60 Hour Film Race

12 Hour Film Race

Contact Info

Address:
1555 Van Ness Ave.
Suite #201
Fresno, CA 93721

Phone:
(559) 266-2622

Visiting CMAC

Hours:
Tues: 12 – 8 p.m.
Wed: 12 – 8 p.m.
Thur: 12 – 8 p.m.
Fri: 12 – 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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