THE REEL CHALLENGE
Think you can make a movie in a single weekend? The Palm Theatre and SLO Film Festival are excited to welcome back The Reel Challenge this summer for its third edition. Join us for a weekend-long filmmaking competition where participants will have just 48 hours to turn an idea into a completed short film.

Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, editor, content creator, student, or simply someone with a great idea and a camera, this is your chance to put your creativity to the test. You'll have just 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and submit an original short film from start to finish. The catch? Just before the clock starts, all registered teams will receive a surprise challenge element or prop that must be featured in their film.

Inspired by the incredible creativity happening across today's film, digital and social landscapes, this 48-hour challenge celebrates bold ideas, quick thinking, and the art of storytelling. Whether you're assembling a crew of friends or taking on the challenge solo, filmmakers of every experience level are welcome to participate. No fancy equipment required. No genre restrictions.

All eligible films will be screened at the Palm Theatre the following weekend at 7:00pm on Sunday, July 19 in a free community screening event, giving participants the opportunity to see their work on the big screen and share it with fellow filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.

Ready to take on the challenge? Gather your crew and register at www.thepalmtheatre.com

Awards & Prizes

N/A. All eligible films will be screened at the Palm Theatre the following weekend at 7:00pm on Sunday, July 19 in a free community screening event.

Rules & Terms

REGISTRATION
You must register for The Reel Challenge by 4:00pm PST on Friday, July 10. To register, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/otVAGmd1VWqsQSPn9

FILMMAKING PERIOD
After registering for the competition, you will receive a kickoff email at 6:00PM on Friday, July 10 with the prop requirement that must be written into your film in some capacity. Once the email is received you will have until Sunday, July 12 at 6:00pm to write, shoot, edit, and submit your film for consideration.

REQUIREMENTS
+ Film must be under 3 minutes
+ Film must include the required prop (revealed at the start of the weekend) in some capacity
+ Film must be submitted no later than 6:00pm on Sunday, July 12
+ All music or footage that is used must be in compliance with copyright laws
+ Film cannot be generated or created using AI

SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Your film must be submitted no later than 6pm on Sunday, July 12 to be considered. Please submit your film for free, here: www.filmfreeway.com/ReelChallenge

TIPS + TRICKS
Friday Night: Writing the script, gathering costumes and props
Saturday: Production - shoot the film and begin downloading all of your footage
Sunday: Edit and Submit - Spend the day editing and make the final touches to your film
Remember that exporting and uploading always take longer than anticipated!

FILM SCREENING
All eligible films will be screened at the Palm Theatre the following weekend at 7:00pm on Sunday, July 19 in a free community screening event. Tickets must be reserved in advance on a first come, first served basis.
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  • Mark Santos

    The REEL Challenge offered a great opportunity for folks to get into a local film festival, have their work displayed, and mix with other filmmakers. Overall a great experience and I'm very much looking forward to the growth of diversity in cinema given the potential of this festival. See you next year!!

    July 2022
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  • Alex Raban

    Super fun challenge would love to enter again!

    May 2022
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  • Peggy Lane ORourke

    What a wonderful festival! Thank you so much for recognizing Donna On The Go !!

    October 2019
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