168 Film Project
A Speed Filmmaking Competition Like No Other

168 Film Project - Short Film Competition

A Theme, A Verse, A Week.

The 168 Film Project short film production competition provides filmmakers of all skill levels an opportunity to practice their craft like no other.

Are you up for the challenge? - It could change your life.

NEW FOR 2024 (Season 21)

  • Pick your own start date (Feb, April, July)!
  • Speed film teams will get a prop & a line of dialogue to include in their films.
  • Non-speed and Group 3 Speed films due July 26. Festival will be in September (date TBA).

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Unique Aspects of the 168 Film Project

  • All content is original, not pre-existing.
    The competition is about filmmakers exercising new creativity. No Speed Film writing is allowed before scriptures are assigned and the only book that may be used is the Bible. With just a few exceptions, films are produced exclusively for this competition.
  • The content produced is based on a theme and a randomly drawn Bible verse.
    The assignment of Speed Film Bible verses is completely random, providing a challenge to writers as they wrestle with meaning and relevance for today.
  • The challenge naturally encourages teamwork, prayer and discussion.
    The truth of the Bible takes many cast and crew members by surprise in the way it directly speaks to their lives, especially when scripture is valued "above the line" in determining story and meaning (during brainstorm sessions). The tight 168 deadline nearly demands spiritual growth, prayer and, of course, teamwork.
  • Open to all skill levels and budgets.
    You don't need to have the latest and greatest equipment to compete. The primary key is figuring out how to tell an effective story around the scripture. Low-budget beginner or experimental films have been known to rank right along with big budget ones by experienced professionals. 168 is a place where you can learn the craft and make mistakes. Whether you're an amateur or professional, or somewhere inbetween, the 168 Film Project will sharpen your skills, guaranteed.

About the 168 Film Project

The 168 Film Project is a unique proving ground for writers and filmmakers. The 168 Film Project's challenge to filmmakers worldwide is to draw a random scripture from the Bible and in just 168 hours (7 days) shoot and edit a short film based on that verse. This unique competition presents many challenges and opportunities to seasoned professionals and aspiring newcomers alike.

We encourage fair treatment of subjects with emphasis on story and subtlety. But most importantly, filmmakers are encouraged to honestly portray the tale inscribed through the foundational scripture.

“168” films uplift and inform the human condition, showing real consequences for actions and reflecting traditional, conservative Biblical values. Therefore, there are some content restrictions, but your task is simple. Create a great story based on a scripture!

If you are up to the challenge of making a film from the best selling book of all time, then we are excited to cheer you on as you develop significant creative, crew and industry relationships.

 Yes, there's more...

Award Categories

Participants in the 168 Film Project get to compete for various prizes and recognition with all eligible films screened at the 168 Film Festival. Awards in various categories are also presented to the winning filmmakers, cast and crew during the gala event.

Entry Types

SPEED FILMS are the ultimate challenge. Teams are assigned a verse from the Bible related to the annual Theme, then have 10 days to write a script, cast characters find locations and gear and get ready. On a Friday at 11am PDT cameras may roll, and the final edited film must be uploaded exactly 168 hours later. Speed films maay be in any genre.

NON-SPEED film categories are designed to give filmmakers an opportunity to practice their craft outside of the rigid 168 hour (7x24) timeframe and still have the opportunity for their film to premiere during the 168 Film Festival and be eligible for awards. 

How the 168 Project Competiton Works:

  1. Producer assembles a "core" team of people who will manage the project (producer, director, writer, etc.)
  2. Team prays and decides what type of film to do (speed/nonspeed)
  3. Producer signs up using the  Registration Form, declaring which Film Type they have chosen (type can be changed)
  4. Producer signs contract, reviews Rules and Film Specifications
  5. For a SPEED FILM (the ultimate challenge)
    1. Team selects their "group," with preferred deadlines upon registration (it can be changed before Verse Assignment).
    2. Team finds feasible resources (gear, locations, sets, available actors and tech talent) prior to Verse Assignment.
    3. Teams are encouraged to study provided training resources and rehearse the process before Verse Assignment.
    4. On Verse Assignment night, a verse related to the annual Theme is given to the team. No writing is allowed prior to Verse Assignment
    5. Verse Assignment begins a 10-day preproduction period of writing, casting, securing locations, acquiring gear and gathering a full complement of talent. Team's writer creates a script written around available resources while integrating the Scripture.
    6. On a designated Friday at 11am Pacific, cameras may begin rolling; post production (editing) follows
    7. Exactly 168 hours later on the following Friday, film must begin uploading
  6. For a NON-SPEED FILM
    1. Producer chooses a Non-speed Film Type (content, runtime and other rules vary by film type)
    2. Producer chooses a Bible verse on which to base the film. The selected verse can be divergent from the annual theme, but it must be foundational to the story.
    3. Team begins production with no start time restrictions
    4. Team uploads film prior to the deadline for Speed Films
  7. Everyone gathers at the 168 Film Festival where all eligible films are premiered and awards are presented.