Filmmaking Rules

On this page you’ll find all the rules in regards to the actual filmmaking for the Yes We Cannes - Global Film Competition. Give them a read, the last thing that you—or we—want is to disqualify your film. They’re here to ensure fair competition and eligibility.

These rules cover the creative part of the 48HFP. Need something else? Check the Competition Rules!

Official Rules of the
48 Hour Film Project
Yes We Cannes Global Film Challenge

The 48 Hour Film Project Organizers may add to or amend these rules at any time prior to the beginning of the Official Time Period.

  1. Times
    Specific to Yes We Cannes - Global Film Competition

    The Yes We Cannes - Global Film Competition (YWC) will occur worldwide the weekend of November 13-15, 2026.

    The Yes We Cannes - Global Film Competition will occur period begins Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM and ends on Sunday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. All times are referenced to each participant’s local time zone. This is the Official Filmmaking Weekend.

    The participating team must complete its film/video work in time to submit it on Sunday, usually by 11:59 PM. After kickoff, check your team dashboard for a countdown to your exact deadline.

    Only works that meet the deadline and adhere to the rules will be officially part of the competition and eligible for awards. However, all films received on Sunday (on-time and late) will be screened and will be eligible for the Audience Award voting.

  2. Creative Process

    All creativity must take place during the Official Filmmaking Weekend. Any creative work in advance of the competition weekend is prohibited. Creative work includes, but is not limited to:

    • Writing the script
    • Casting
    • Rehearsing
    • Costume/Set Design
    • Shooting
    • Editing
    • Sound Design
    • Rendering

  3. Preparation

    The only work to begin prior to the Official Filmmaking Weekend is:

    • Organizing Crew
    • Organizing Cast
    • Securing and testing Equipment
    • Scouting/Securing Locations

  4. Footage

    “Core Footage" Every frame of your film MUST contain footage shot or created in the Official Filmmaking Weekend. This is "Core Footage."

    "Supporting footage", or footage shot or created BEFORE the Official Filmmaking Weekend (including stock footage that is part of a special effect) may be placed over or under the core footage, as long as every frame of your film contains some amount of core footage and the assembling of the core footage with the supporting footage occurs during the Official Filmmaking Weekend. Using Generative AI to create supporting footage is not allowed.

    Supporting footage MAY NOT include people or other performers unless the Supporting Footage was shot during a previous 48HFP Official Filmmaking Weekend for a previously-submitted 48HFP film.

    Animation, titles, and special effects can be considered core footage if created during the Official Filmmaking Weekend.

    Still photos or postcards are permitted as core footage. The still photos do not need to be created during the Official Filmmaking Weekend. Note: Still photos created outside of the Official Filmmaking Weekend being used in a sequence to create the illusion of motion are not acceptable as core footage, but are acceptable as supporting footage.

    You must have rights to all materials (footage, photos, images, artwork, etc.) used in your film. A 48HFP Materials Release is required for all materials, photos, and/or footage not created in the Official Filmmaking Weekend.

  5. Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Your 48 Entry

    Prohibited: Filmmakers are prohibited from using Generative AI to create their film—specifically, filmmakers are not permitted to use AI to create writing, scripts, music, images, special effects or footage. Definition: Generative AI is any system that produces new content (text, image, audio, video, code, etc.) in response to a prompt.

    Permitted: Filmmakers are permitted to use Non-Generative AI tools (Assistive AI) that assist with technical post-production tasks, specifically noise reduction, audio cleanup, color correction, upscaling, stabilization, rotoscoping, and similar enhancement functions embedded in editing software. These tools may only improve human-created source material; they may not generate new content (i.e., prompt-based Generative AI features in all apps are prohibited).

    Special Requirements

    All use of AI must be:

    • Legal in your jurisdiction
    • Limited to material for which you hold all necessary rights
    • Disclosed on your Wrap Up Form (list every AI tool used)

    If AI or Effects are used in your film, you must complete the AI and Effects Disclosure Form.
    When in doubt, don't use it.

  6. Kickoff Event
    Specific to Yes We Cannes - Global Film Competition

    To be officially eligible for competition:

    • The Team Leader must upload a completed copy of the Team Leaders Agreement to the Team Dash before the Kickoff Event. A team may not participate without submitting this agreement.
    • Each eligible team will then receive a Kickoff e-mail at 7:00 PM their local time on the first day of the Official Filmmaking Weekend (See A). The Kickoff e-mail will contain two genres from which to choose. Teams may choose either genre for their film. In addition, the Kickoff email will contain a line of dialog, character, and prop (required elements).
    • Each team's film must be shot in one of the two genres and all of required elements must be included for the film to be eligible for competition.