THE
SINÉ 48-HOUR
CHALLENGE

The Siné 48-Hour Challenge will run from Friday, August 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST to Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST.

To qualify for competition and award consideration, participating teams must complete and submit their films by the official deadline of 7:00 PM EST on Sunday, August 3. Only films submitted on time will be eligible for awards; however, all films submitted on Sunday—whether on time or late—will still be screened at the Siné 48 Watch Party.

All creative work must be completed strictly within the official Challenge Timeline. Any creative activity completed before the competition weekend is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Scriptwriting
• Casting actors or assigning roles
• Rehearsals or practice runs
• Designing or constructing costumes, props, or sets
• Filming or capturing footage
• Editing or assembling footage
• Sound design or audio editing
• Rendering, exporting, or saving the final film to any storage device or medium

The only work that may be completed prior to the official Challenge Timeline includes:

• Organizing the crew
• Organizing the cast
• Securing equipment
• Scouting and securing locations

CORE FOOTAGE AND SUPPORTING FOOTAGE GUIDELINES

Core Footage

All footage included in your film must be shot or created entirely within the official Challenge Timeline. This is referred to as core footage.

• Animation, titles, and special effects count as core footage only if they are created during the Challenge.
• Still photos may qualify as core footage, even if taken prior to the Challenge Timeline.

Refer to the Official Rules for specific guidelines on the use of AI-generated footage.

Supporting Footage

Supporting footage refers to any material created or obtained before the Challenge Timeline, such as stock footage or archival material.

• Supporting footage may be layered over or under core footage; however, every frame of the final film must include some amount of core footage.
• All editing and assembly of both core and supporting footage must take place within the Challenge Timeline.

Restrictions on Supporting Footage

• Supporting footage must not feature identifiable people or performers unless it was recorded during a previous Siné 48-Hour Challenge submission.
• Supporting footage must not include copyrighted or trademarked materials without proper licensing or permission.
• Still photos created outside the Challenge Timeline cannot be counted as core footage, even if animated or manipulated to simulate motion; they may only be used as supporting footage.
• All supporting footage used in the final film must comply with the competition's overall content guidelines and submission terms.

Right and Permissions

Teams must have the necessary rights and permissions for all footage, photos, music, and materials used in their film. A Siné 48-Hour Challenge Materials Release is required for any materials, photos, or footage not created during the Challenge Timeline.

KICK-OFF

• -Kick-off Doors open at 4:30 PM EST
• -Kick-Off Event Begins at 5:00 PM EST
• -Required Elements and Genre Released at 6:45 PM EST
• -Challenge Officially Starts at 7:00 PM EST

The Kick-Off Event is mandatory for team check-in and serves as the official launch of the competition.

During this event, the Team Captain will receive crucial information that must be incorporated into your film. This includes the three assigned story elements—each one essential to the final submission:

REQUIRED ELEMENTS

• A prop - An object that must be visibly used in your film. How it's integrated is up to your team's creativity.
• A Line of Dialogue - A required line of dialogue will be provided and must appear in your film exactly as written—spoken, sung, or written verbatim by a character. The line may be split between two characters, as long as the full sentence is delivered in sequence with no additional words added. If the line is in Tagalog, it must be used as-is and cannot be translated.
• A Character - A named character with a brief description that must appear in your story. You're free to interpret and build around them however you like, as long as they are clearly present.

These elements will be revealed 15 minutes before the 7:00 PM start of the competition, live at the Kick-Off Event. Your team must include these in your film to qualify.

CREATIVE INCENTIVE

To spotlight and celebrate Filipino talent, we've built in a unique advantage:

If your team includes at least one cast or crew member of Filipino descent, you'll unlock a creative incentive—a set of alternate options for each required element. That means your team can choose from multiple props, lines, and characters, giving you more flexibility while honouring representation.

All cast and crew members must be at least 18 years old at the time of the Challenge. Participation must be fully voluntary; no individual may receive financial compensation, wages, or contractual payment for their work during the competition. This ensures the event remains a fair, amateur-driven challenge and avoids any labor law conflicts. While participants may volunteer their time, teams are encouraged to recognize the contributions of their members in non-financial ways, such as providing on-screen credits or celebrating contributions at screenings and events.

Animal safety is equally as important as the safety and well-being of the cast and crew during the Siné 48-Hour Challenge. All participating teams are expected to treat animals involved in production with the highest standard of care, respect, and responsibility. Any film that involves, results in, or depicts the real-life death, injury, harm, or mutilation of an animal will result in immediate disqualification. Additionally, teams are encouraged to follow best practices for working with animals, including securing proper handlers or supervision when necessary. Siné Institute maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of animal cruelty.

Teams may use any type of video or film camera to shoot their project. This includes, but is not limited to, professional-grade cameras, DSLRs, camcorders, smartphones, action cameras (such as GoPros), or any other recording device. There is no restriction on the number of cameras a team may use during production. Participants are encouraged to choose the equipment that best aligns with their creative goals, available resources, and overall storytelling approach.

Participating teams are strongly encouraged to collaborate with composers, musicians, or sound designers to create original music specifically for their films. While pre-recorded music is permitted, teams must either own the full rights or have secured formal permission or licenses to use any pre-existing music included in their film. Signed release forms or proof of licensing are required for all music used, regardless of source. Similarly, the use of pre-recorded sound effects is allowed, but teams must hold the appropriate rights or licenses for all sound materials used. Teams are fully responsible for ensuring that any third-party music, sound, or audio materials comply with copyright laws and competition guidelines. IMPORTANT NOTE: Song parodies — defined as the use of recognizable, pre-existing songs with altered lyrics, music, or arrangement — are strictly prohibited unless the team has obtained a signed release from the original rights holder. This rule applies even if the parody might otherwise appear to fall under the principles of “fair use” under applicable copyright laws. If you are unsure whether a specific song, sound effect, or musical element qualifies for use or requires a release, we strongly encourage you to contact the Siné 48-Hour Challenge team for clarifications or questions before including it in your film. We are happy to assist and help ensure your project meets all competition guidelines.

The Siné 48-Hour Challenge reserves the right to shorten any film that goes over the maximum length for screening purposes. The finished film must be no shorter than 4 minutes and no longer than 9 minutes, excluding the required Siné 48-Hour Challenge opening slates and end credits. The official running time is measured from the moment immediately following the required slates to the point just before the end credits. Both the slates and credits are excluded from the minimum and maximum time limits. Projects that do not meet these time requirements will be disqualified.

Pre-Film Required Slates

Before the film begins, the final exported media must include the following, in this exact sequence:

• 1. 5 seconds of black


• 2. 5-second title card including:
  
  
  • Team Name
  • Film Title
  • Assigned Genre
  • Country
  • Date
  
  


• 3.5-second title card with either:
  • The text: “This film was created for the Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 (sineinstitute.com)”
  
  
  

  OR

  • The official Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 animated bumper (6 seconds)
• 4.2 seconds of black




Note:Your film must follow this sequence exactly. You may create your own title cards, but the timing and required information must match. Templates and the animated bumper will be provided in the Participant Kit.





Opening Credits (Optional)

Opening credits are not required or encouraged, but if included:

• They must begin after the 2 seconds of black.
• They count toward your film's official runtime (i.e., they are included within the 9-minute time limit).





If your opening credits list anything beyond the film title (e.g., cast or crew names), you must also include one of the following branded opening options:

• “Your Team Name presents, in association with the Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025”
• “A Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 presentation”
• “A Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 film”
  (Note: This may be stylized as “a siné 48 hour challenge 2025 film” if preferred.)

End Credits

• Limited to 60 seconds maximum.
• These 60 seconds are not included in the film's required 4-9-minute story runtime.
• The following text must appear: “This film was created for the Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 (sineinstitute.com)”





Bloopers and/or behind-the-scenes content may be included in the end credits, but the total duration—including extras—must stay within the 60-second limit.






The Siné 48-Hour Challenge reserves the right to shorten end credits that exceed the maximum length for screening purposes.






Post-Competition Screenings

For any future screenings (including online releases), all films should retain the pre-film title card stating:“This film was created for the Siné 48-Hour Challenge 2025 sineinstitute.com

• Maximum File Size: 3GB
• Preferred File Format: MP4 (H.264 codec) — widely compatible and provides a strong balance between quality and manageable file size


• Resolution Minimum 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) recommended for optimal viewing quality


• Ascpect Ratio 2.41:1


• Frame Rate Maintain the frame rate consistent with your original footage (commonly 24, 25, or 30 fps)


• Audio: Stereo, 48 kHz sample rate preferred


• File Naming: Use the following convention when submitting your film:
  -> [TeamName]_[FilmTitle]_Sine48_2025.mp4
  
  

  Example:
  A team named DreamChasers with a film titled Final Horizon would name their file:
  DreamChasers_FinalHorizon_Sine48_2025.mp4
  

NOTE:

• Films that do not conform to these submission requirements may be disqualified.
• Additionally, if a submitted film cannot be properly played or viewed on Siné 48-Hour Challenge equipment, it will be disqualified.
• Please test your final export on multiple devices and platforms before submitting to ensure compatibility and smooth playback.

We recommend that teams maintain consistent sound levels throughout their films. Audio with uneven volume, excessive peaks, or distortion may be adjusted during playback to protect the screening equipment and ensure the best possible audience experience. Please be aware that projection quality may vary depending on the venue, which is beyond the control of the Siné 48-Hour Challenge.
If your film contains particularly dark or underexposed scenes, they may be difficult to view clearly in some theater settings. We recommend testing playback in a dark room during editing and, if needed, brightening scenes to improve overall visibility. All eligible films submitted by the deadline (including late entries) will be screened, provided they meet all submission, technical, and content requirements.

To ensure a smooth, fair, and properly documented competition, all participating teams must submit the following required forms. Detailed submission instructions and links will be provided in your Participant Kit.

Due Before Kickoff
• Team Captain's Agreement
  

  This signed agreement confirms the Team Captain understands their responsibilities and agrees to abide by the Siné 48-Hour Challenge rules and competition terms.



• Cultural Eligibility Declaration
  

  For teams applying for Creative Incentive, this declaration verifies that the team meets the eligibility requirements.



Due by Midnight on Submission Sunday
• Team Roster
  

  A complete list of all team members, including their roles and contributions (e.g., director, editor, actors). This is used for administrative records, eligibility checks, promotional materials, and awards.



• Certification Statement
  

  A formal declaration signed by the Team Captain confirming that all creative work—writing, filming, editing—was completed within the official 48-hour window and that the team complied with all location and participation rules.



• Wrap-Up Form (Post-Event)
  

  A brief post-competition form where teams share feedback about their experience, insights into their production process, and a short summary of their project.



• Waiver and Release Forms (one per team member)
  

  These forms grant permission to the Siné 48-Hour Challenge to use participants' names, images, performances, and behind-the-scenes materials in promotional content, social media, screenings, and related platforms.



• Music Release Forms (one per song or artist)
  

  Required for any music included in the film. This form confirms that the team has obtained the rights to use original or third-party tracks.



• Materials Release Forms (one per item or creator)
  

  Covers usage rights for external content, including stock footage, artwork, sound effects, or any other materials not created by the team.



• Location Release Forms (one per filming location)
  

  Confirms that the team obtained permission to shoot on private property, rented spaces, or restricted-access locations.

This is a mandatory sworn declaration signed by the Team Captain on behalf of the entire team. By submitting this form, the team certifies that:

• All creative work -including writing, filming, and editing — was completed strictly within the official 48-hour competition window. No pre-written scripts, pre-shot footage, or pre-assembled edits were used
• All team members -were physically present in Canada for the full duration of the challenge. This is a key eligibility requirement designed to ensure fairness and celebrate the work of creatives participating within the country.
  
  
  

  Failure to meet either of these conditions will result in disqualification, regardless of whether the final film is submitted on time or meets technical specifications.

  
  
  
  

  TEAM CAMPTAIN'S AGREEMENT

  
  

  By signing this Official Team Captain's Agreement, the Team Captain, on behalf of their team, acknowledges and agrees that:
  

  -> The Siné Film Institute is granted the non-exclusive right to screen the team's submitted film during the Siné 48-Hour Challenge, the Siné Film Fest, and any future affiliated or promotional events.

  
  

  -> The Siné Film Institute has the right to exhibit the submitted film, in whole or in part, on television, online platforms, and other media channels solely for the purpose of promoting the Siné 48-Hour Challenge, the Siné Film Fest, or related initiatives.

  
  

  -> The Siné Film Institute may retain a copy of the submitted film for archival, educational, and promotional purposes.

  
  

  Further details regarding usage rights, ownership, and distribution are outlined in the full Official Team Captain's Agreement. All participants are responsible for reviewing and understanding these terms before submission.

To qualify for entry, submitted films must meet the following criteria:

• Originality: The film must be the team's original creation and must not infringe upon the rights of any third party, including copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property.
• Appropriateness: The film must be suitable for public presentation. It may not contain obscene, indecent, or pornographic material; defamatory statements about any person, organization, or entity; or content that invades privacy or infringes on personal or proprietary rights. Additionally, films may not include or promote controversial or inflammatory content related to politics or religion.
• Legal Compliance: The film must comply with all applicable laws and regulations and must not promote or depict illegal activities.
• Ownership: Teams must hold or secure the rights to all content included in their film, including music, footage, and other creative materials.

Any film that contains prohibited, offensive, or inappropriate content, as determined at the sole discretion of the Siné 48-Hour Challenge, may be disqualified. The Siné 48-Hour Challenge reserves the right to determine final eligibility, refuse to screen a film, issue content advisories at screenings, or request edits to remove or address offensive or defamatory material.

For additional information, please refer to Competition Terms & Conditions.

To preserve the excitement and integrity of the Siné 48-Hour Challenge premiere, participating teams are not allowed to share, distribute, or screen their completed films before the official event debut. This includes public or private showings, online uploads, social media posts, or any form of distribution outside the immediate team.This includes, but is not limited to:

• Uploading the full film to video-sharing platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Instagram)
• Hosting public or private screenings for audiences outside the core creative team
• Sharing private viewing links with friends, family, or the public before the official event

However, teams are encouraged to create a short teaser or trailer to help build excitement for their project. Trailers should be limited to 30-45 seconds maximum in length and should not reveal the full plot, key twists, or the ending of the film.

This rule helps ensure all teams compete on equal terms and that every audience member experiences the films for the first time together at the premiere screening. It also protects the challenge's premiere status, giving teams the chance to showcase their hard work on a shared platform before releasing it publicly.

To be recognized as a Certified Film Submission, each participating team's film must fully comply with all rules and requirements outlined by the Siné 48-Hour Challenge. Only certified submissions will be eligible for official screening and awards consideration. The Siné 48-Hour Challenge organizers reserve the right to screen only those films that meet certification standards.

The Siné 48-Hour Challenge and its affiliated project partners retain the full right and discretion to review all submitted films and disqualify any entry that is determined to be non-compliant with Competition Terms & Conditions, Filmmaking Rules, or Eligibility Requirements.

Disqualification may result from, but is not limited to:

• Violation of official rules or submission guidelines
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or falsified documentation
• Use of unlicensed or unauthorized copyrighted materials
• Submission of offensive, harmful, or inappropriate content
• Technical issues that prevent the film from being properly screened





Disqualification decisions are made solely by the Siné 48-Hour Challenge organizers and are final. No refunds will be provided for disqualified entries. These measures help protect the fairness, legality, and integrity of the competition.

Teams are permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of their films, but they must follow the conditions below to ensure fair, ethical, and transparent use.

For the purpose of this competition, AI tools refer to any software, platform, or application that automatically generates, modifies, or enhances creative content through machine learning or automated algorithms. This includes (but is not limited to) generative image or text tools, voice or audio generators, visual effects automation, and AI-assisted editing or scripting applications.

Guidelines for Use

Legal Compliance

All AI use must fully comply with applicable laws in your province or jurisdiction.

Within the Challenge Timeline

Teams may only generate or create AI content during the Challenge Timeline. No AI-generated materials created prior to the challenge may be used unless specifically permitted under the rules on pre-existing footage or assets.

Rights and Ownership

Teams must hold or secure the full legal rights to all AI-generated materials included in their film. Using AI to replicate, mimic, or incorporate copyrighted materials without permission is strictly prohibited.

Permitted Uses

Allowed uses of AI tools include:

• Enhancing audio quality (such as noise reduction or audio leveling)
• Automating color correction or visual effects
• Assisting in on-the-spot script generation or idea brainstorming (if done within the competition window)
• Generating original background visuals or textures (if done legally and during the challenge)

Prohibited Uses

• Using copyrighted materials as the base for AI generation without explicit rights or releases
• Pre-generating AI assets before the official challenge weekend
• Failing to disclose use of AI tools in required documentation

Disclosure Requirement

Teams must clearly list all AI tools, apps, or platforms used in their film on the Wrap-Up Form submitted after the challenge weekend.

Ethical Use

Teams are expected to use AI tools ethically and transparently, ensuring that the final work represents the team's original creative input and vision. AI should be treated as a supporting tool, not a replacement for the team's creative authorship.