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The 2023 Challenge

THE 2023 CHALLENGE
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 Challenge. Create an original puppetry film this September in 48 hours. Use our three prompts (item, action, theme) as a starting point, then let your imagination run wild. Entries will be shown at our Online Film Festival in September, with an awards 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.

Registration is now open!

You can register to take part in the 2023 Bristol 48h Puppet Film Challenge right up until 6pm (BST) on Friday 15th September 2023, but we recommend you do it as soon as possible!


The Challenge Weekend 2023

The 2023 Bristol 48h Puppet Film Challenge runs from 7pm (BST) on Friday 15th September to 7pm (BST) on Sunday 17th September 2023.

  • The Challenge is FREE to take part in! We are operating via donations only so that anyone from anywhere can take part in the Challenge.
  • If you are able we suggest a £5 donation per participant/viewer. Donate more, fantastic, donate less, also great, can’t afford it, no worries, we have all been there and we want you here!
  • The Challenge will begin at 7pm (BST) on Friday 15th September 2023, when we will announce the three Challenge prompts (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 17th September 2023.
  • If you submit you film late it will NOT be eligible for judging and awards (see FAQ).
  • 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!

Awards & Prizes

Awards

1st Place

£100

A professional consultation with Brian Fisher 

Creative mentoring session with Clare McCarthy from Broken Puppet Theatre Company 

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 

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership 

Best of Under 15’s

A Puppet made by a Resident Artist of Puppet Place 

Best of 16-21 

A Mentorship consultation with Brian Fisher 

Creative mentoring session with Clare ‘Jay’ McCarthy from Broken Puppet Theatre Company 

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership 

Honorable mentions 

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership 

Puppetry Award

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership 

Medal

Best of Bristol

A personalised tour of Puppet Place

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership

Participant Choice award

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership


Audience Choice Award

Puppet Place Associate Artist membership