Can you make a Puppet Film?
Can you do it in 48 hours?
Challenge accepted?
We are asking people of all ages and backgrounds, beginners to professionals to take on the 48 Hour Puppet Film Challenge. Create an original puppetry film this September in just 48 hours! Use our three designated prompts (ACTION – ITEM – THEME) as a starting point, then let your imagination run wild. Entries will be shown at our Online Film Festival, with an award ceremony where a panel of Judges will pick the winners of our categories. Get creative, have fun and see what you can do with puppetry. This year we are proud to be sponsored by the British Puppet Guild!
The Film Challenge Weekend 2025
12, 13 & 14 September 2025
- The Film Challenge will begin at 7pm (BST) on Friday 12 September 2025, when we will announce the three Challenge prompts following the format of ACTION – ITEM – THEME. You MUST include these prompts in your film.
- The timer is set and you then have 48 hours to devise, make, film, edit, score and submit your puppet film.
- The Submission deadline is 7pm (BST) on Sunday 14 September 2025.
- The submissions are then reviewed and the Judges will pick the winners.
- All films entered will be featured in our Online Film Festival Screening, ending with the Finale where winners will be announced!
- For TIPA info head to our TIPA page
Registration is open!
Awards & Prizes
1st Place
£150
British Puppet Guild Membership
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
2nd Place
British Puppet Guild Membership
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
3rd Place
British Puppet Guild Membership
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
Top 10
Screened at the Finale
Best of Under 15’s
Puppet From Puppet things
Best of 16-21
Mentorship with a British Puppet Guild Member
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
The Inclusive Puppetry Alliance Award (TIPA)
Puppet Place Associate Artist Membership
£100
The British Puppetry Guild Award
£100
BrUNIMA Award (Best International Film or film by a BrUNIMA Member)
£100
Honourable Mentions
Screened at the Finale
Puppetry Award
Medal
Best of Bristol
Tickets to “We the Curious”
Tickets to the Puppet Place Cabaret
Participant Choice Award
Audience Choice Award