Last night, I attended a screening of the Cleveland 2016 48 Hour Film Horror Project. This screening proved to be unexpectedly, ridiculously fun.

The competition concept is straight forward. Teams of filmmakers have exactly 48 hours to come up with an idea, script it, scout a filming location, create special effects, film, edit and finish post production, no pre-planning, and little time for sleep. For this year's event, 21 teams teams competed in Cleveland, although this event happens at cities throughout the U.S. and internationally.

I met up with project producers Brian Bowers & Janice Troha before the showing began. Brian, who has been working with the competition for nine years, explained that the 48 Hour Film Horror Project is a specialty genre event, part of the larger 48 Hour Film Project which does similar competitions but not limited to horror.

Horror, however, is our specialty at Fear with Beer, so I wanted to see what filmmakers could come up with in only two days. Before filming ever began, each team had randomly drawn the genre category for their film, meaning they had no idea what type of movie they would be making in advance. Categories included zombie, ghost, vampire, psychic powers, demonic possession, creepy kids (my favorite) and more.

Adding a layer of fun to the competition, filmmakers were given a few small requirements: each film had to somehow feature a wooden spoon, each film had to have the character computer programmer Gabriel or Gabriela Cortez, and each film had to feature the line, "I'm getting too old for this" or the similar "I'm getting way too old for this." Films had to run between four to seven minutes, not counting end credits, and all work had to be volunteer, so hiring professional actors or post-production work was prohibited.

The Cleveland screening was held in Euclid, Ohio at Atlas Cinemas on Lakeshore Blvd., a sponsor of the event. A special element for me is 22 years ago I had lived walking distance to this theater, so it was great being back. As soon as I entered I could feel the energy and excitement, and that is a seriously good feeling. The theater was packed, and I imagine a solid number of visitors were friends and family members of the filmmakers, many who might be seeing their big screen debut.

The energizing, celebratory vibe set the stage for a good time. From the first movie, it was a blast to see how the wooden spoon and "too old" line would be worked into each plot. Watching the films, it was easy to put yourself in the place of the filmmaker and the monumental task they had lovingly taken upon themselves. The results were pure, raw creativity, inspiration, and joy, often with undertones of humor (sometimes intentionally, othertimes not). At the end of the screening, movie goers voted for their three favorite movies. A judging panel will later cast their votes, looking at technical requirements, and a wrap party will be thrown the week after next on November 9.

If you have never been to this event, I'm begging you to trust me, Mangus, and take my word: the experience will be miles more fun than you might think. Being in the crowd among filmmakers who only recently completed a marathon filming session brings the entire experience to a new level. More than watching something on a home screen, phone or tablet or computer, the sheer creativity, drive, humor and intensity really is something to be shared. I definitely plan on attending future screenings.

The 48 Hour Film Project competition takes place in some 130 cities, not just in the U.S. but internationally, including The Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, Belgium, Egypt, Hungary, and a lot more. To check out screenings, upcoming competitions, rules and other details, go to 48hourfilm.com/about.


But again, I'm serious: promise yourself to get to one of these screenings. It's possibly the most fun you can have without beer.