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The Morristown Theatre Guild is excited to present the 48-Hour Film Contest in March.

All levels of filmmakers are invited to take part in an exciting creative challenge this March: the 48-Hour Film Contest, themed “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Online registration is now open. The contest is open to all experience levels, and no professional camera equipment is required—participants may even film using their phones. Student filmmakers (under 18 or currently in high school) may register for free, while adult filmmakers (18 and older and not in high school) will pay a $20 registration fee.

The contest officially kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6, when participants will log on to the official website to receive required elements for their films.

These elements will include a Morristown location, a prop, a specific line of dialogue, and a song that must be incorporated in some way.

Filmmakers will then have 48 hours to write, film, edit, and submit a completed short film between 5 and 25 minutes in length. All films must be completed and submitted by 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8.

While films do not have to be traditional comedies, each entry must reflect the theme “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” whether by highlighting the healing power of laughter, exploring the absence of laughter and its effects, or creatively incorporating humor throughout the film.

Awards will be presented in separate divisions for Adults and Students (middle and high school). Participants will be grouped into Regular Tech and High-Tech categories based on the equipment and editing software listed during registration to ensure fair competition. Awards will include Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Use of Prop, Best Choice of Prop, Best Use of Line, and Most Groundbreaking Film.

The completed films will premiere at a public Film Festival on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the College Square Mall location across from American Eagle in the old cinema. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, contact Michael Todd at toddj@hcboe.net.

For more information, and to register, visit www.theatreguildinc.org.