Filmmakers from Forest Park and nearby will show off their creativity when the village’s Arts Alliance hosts its third annual 48-Hour Film Festival, culminating March 22 with an awards ceremony and gala.
Starting on March 7, teams had 48 hours to create a collaborative 10-minute film that incorporates a designated line of dialogue, a specific prop and a given film genre.
The event culminates in a red carpet gala held at Fearon Hall on March 22, where guests will watch the featured films and celebrate the evening’s achievements. The ticketed event is open to the public. The space is on the St. Bernardine Church campus.
Prizes will be awarded, including the People’s Choice Award, with attendees having the opportunity to vote after the screening. Filmmakers will be available to discuss their films, motivations, techniques and address any additional questions from the audience.
Groups began filming at 7 p.m. on March 7, and participants had 48 hours to complete and submit their films.
Lin Beribak, who is producing and coordinating the challenge and gala, hopes that filmmakers, audiences and the community walk away with a deeper sense of pride and connection. Reflecting on the history and community impact of the event, she emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent and fostering unity among attendees.
“First, I want to see an increased appreciation for the incredible talent we have right here in our town,” Beribak said. “Secondly, I hope the community feels a stronger bond, having shared this experience together and connected through the filmmakers’ stories. Lastly, I’d love to inspire people to get involved next year, whether as filmmakers or as part of the audience.”
Approximately half of the teams submitting films are from Forest Park while the other half are young people recently out of film school or working in the film industry but not in creative roles, according to Beribak.
“It turns out that Forest Park has a large number of residents involved in the film industry. We also have many professional artists, as well as hobby artists in town, representing all levels of participation in the arts,” Beribak said.
The idea of this festival came when Forest Park resident Dan Marcus approached the Arts Alliance of Forest Park with the idea of hosting a 48-hour film festival.
The completed films are curated by a panel of organizers and industry professionals who select the standout pieces for the gala screening. Marcus and Ian Pfaff are both members of the Forest Park Arts Alliance and will be facilitating the final presentation of the films.
Said Beribak: “Dan and Ian pull the videos together. Ian handles tasks like ensuring the sound levels are consistent, so one film isn’t too quiet and the next too loud. They also time the films to ensure the running time is roughly the same before and after the intermission. They manage these details to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
The hope is that by sharing the filmmakers’ perspectives, the festival will encourage greater participation in the future. Beribak emphasized that a larger audience enhances the experience and highlights the communal aspect of watching a movie in a theater rather than at home.
“It’s like watching a movie on your TV at home – you get up, sit down, start doing something else, like a crossword puzzle or checking your emails, and you’re not totally invested. But when you see a movie in a darkened theater with a crowd, it becomes a communal event. Funny moments feel even funnier,” Beribak said.
The festival is open to filmmakers of all experience levels, from professionals to aspiring filmmakers and hobbyists, encouraging participants to take on the challenge and showcase their work.
“We want to keep it a more glittery kind of event. So, while glamour is in the eye of the beholder, we aim to make it a memorable experience for everyone,” Beribak said.
Participants can order their tickets on Eventbrite at www.forestparkarts.org/48-hour-film-festival or purchase at the door. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for Arts Alliance members, and $5 for children ages 6-12, with advance purchase discounts offering $20 for adults, $15 for Arts Alliance members, and $5 for children