Aberdeen takes centre stage this November as 21 local filmmaking teams unveil their short films at Cowdray Hall this Saturday as part of the 48 Hour Film Project, the city’s largest-ever filmmaking challenge.
Over one whirlwind weekend, teams were challenged to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film in just 48 hours. Each group drew a different genre out of a hat, and then had to include the same three elements:
🕵️ Character: Ash Logan – Spy
📺 Prop: A Remote
📸 Line: “Say cheese.”
The finished films will premiere across two screenings on Saturday 15 November 2025 at Cowdray Hall at 4.30pm and 7pm.
Tickets are just £6.
Each screening features a completely different line-up, so audiences are encouraged to attend both, meet the filmmakers, and vote for their favourites in the Audience Choice Award.
Afterwards, the celebrations move to Siberia Bar & Hotel on Belmont Street for the Awards Ceremony at 9 PM, honouring the very best of Aberdeen’s creative talent.
A Global Film Phenomenon
The 48 Hour Film Project is the world’s biggest filmmaking competition, taking place each year in over 130 cities around the globe.
Last weekend, Aberdeen competed alongside filmmakers in Albania, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland and the Netherlands, with all teams racing the same 48-hour clock to create a brand-new short film.
Film Highlights
Among the entries are “The Comeback”, shot at His Majesty’s Theatre, “Enter the Bogle” about the mythical Scottish beastie, “Duthie Park Mystery,” shot in Aberdeen’s famous park, “Granitefinger” and “Getaway. Find out the full listing on 48hourfilm.com/aberdeen.
Judged by Industry Professionals
Films will be judged by industry experts from the BBC and Black Camel Pictures, giving Aberdeen’s filmmakers a rare opportunity to have their work seen by leading voices in Scottish film and television.
Prizes & Global Pathway
The Aberdeen winning team will win a trip to Filmapalooza 2026, the international film festival of the 48 Hour Film Project, held in Portugal in March, 2026.
This year’s Aberdeen winner will represent the city on the global stage at Filmapalooza 2026, held at the historic São Jorge Cinema in Lisbon — Portugal’s most esteemed and storied film venue. There, winners from over 130 cities around the world gather for a week of screenings, workshops, networking events, and celebrations, making it a truly international showcase of short-film talent.
- Best Film: £1,500 travel funding to attend Filmapalooza in Lisbon next March
- Best Director: A BRAW Explorer Bag courtesy of BRAW
Supporting the Belmont Cinema
Profits from the screenings will go towards efforts to reopen Aberdeen’s beloved Belmont Cinema, helping restore a permanent home for independent film — a space where local creativity and events like this can thrive.
Matt Buchanan, CEO of the Belmont Cinema: “I cannot be more excited to be partnering with the 48 Hour Film Project. We cannot wait to see everybody next Saturday and see their films”
Louise Knowles, Producer, 48 Hour Film Project Scotland, said: “Growing up in Aberdeen I used to love the Belmont, it was a real hub of creativity. I hope all of Aberdeen will come to see these wild and crazy short films showcasing the Silver City by the Sea and the wealth of filmmaking talent the North East of Scotland has to offer, and support the Belmont in doing so. Win Win!”
Join the Celebration
Celebrate Aberdeen on Screen. Support local film. And see which team might be heading to Lisbon next spring!
Tickets & details: 48hourfilm.com/aberdeen
