Since 2006, 72 Film Fest has challenged teams to create an original short film in just 72 hours, fueled by a secret theme revealed at kickoff. In two decades, more than a thousand films have been born of this ticking clock, building a passionate community of storytellers that stretches far beyond Frederick, Maryland.
This milestone year brings a major new twist: the festival is going national. For the first time, filmmakers from anywhere in the United States can register, create their films, and compete head-to-head with peers nationwide. While Frederick remains the festival’s beating heart—with live screenings at the historic Weinberg Center for the Arts, October 10–11, 2025—the expansion opens the stage to storytellers everywhere, with remote teams being judged and screened Online.
“Twenty years is a huge milestone not just for us, but for the hundreds of filmmakers who’ve taken on the challenge,” said Clark Kline, co-founder of 72 Film Fest. “We’ve seen high school students premiere their very first films, seasoned pros push their limits, and audiences embrace every wild story that hits the screen. Now, we’re inviting the entire country to share in that energy.”
A Weekend of Screenings and Surprises
The excitement kicks off with the Launch Party on September 25 in Frederick, where the secret theme will be revealed and filmmakers will begin their 72-hour sprint. Then, on festival weekend:
- Friday, October 10 – Opening Night Premieres: Local teams debut their films live at the Weinberg Center, while non-local films premiere virtually at 72Fest.com.
- 6:30 PM – Students/Amateurs
- 8:30 PM – Amateurs/Pros
- Saturday, October 11 – Main Event:
- 12:30 PM – Non-local films screen at the Weinberg.
- 3:00 PM – Premiere of The Black Hills Night Hike, an original horror anthology inspired by Maryland monsters and urban legends, created by past and present 72 Film Fest teams.
- 7:00 PM – Year 20 Finalists take the stage, followed by the Award Ceremony.
Hosted by festival favorites Mikael Johnson and Doug Powell.
Tickets & Registration
Tickets for the live screenings are available now at WeinbergCenter.org. Online viewing passes will be released closer to the event. Filmmaker registration for both local and national teams is open now at 72Fest.com.
