Well-known short film making competition “48 Hour Film Project Vietnam” will come back to hit the country’s big cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City next month.

The annual contest, which is in its 4th year in Vietnam since 2010 (except 2013), is expected to attract over 100 Vietnamese filmmaking teams across the country.

Originally founded in the U.S. in 2001, the 48 Hour Film Project is one of the largest time-based filmmaking competitions in the world with over 130 cities currently participating.

Participants are required to complete their filmmaking – including writing, shooting, editing, and scoring – in just 48 hours. Winners of the national round will have the chance to compete at the international round and get their films screened in the U.S. and Cannes Film Festival.

Apart from the benefits of having their films screened internationally and seen by millions of viewers overseas, winning teams can also win great prizes including trophies, video cameras, cash, and creative scholarships from filmmaking schools.

International award winning director Phillip Noyce will also return to lead the 2014 jury panel like the previous years. Noyce directed Salt (2010), The Quiet American (2008) and the upcoming film The Giver (2014).

“I’m really excited to be able to maybe spot and help some inspiring young talent that Vietnam has to offer,” Noyce responded when asked why he is involved. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Vietnam, and I’ve realized that there are so many talented filmmakers waiting for their chance to be recognized and the 48 Hour Film Project gives them this chance.”

The Ho Chi Minh City main filming weekend will run from September 26 to 28, with Hanoi joining a few weeks later from October 17 to 19.

Official registration for competing teams will be opened on August 1.

More information can be found at www.48hourfilm.com/hcmc or www.48hourfilm.com/hanoi

Since the 48 Hour Film Project’s first year in Vietnam, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has had more than 350 short films made for the competition.

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