Earth Stories 48 Hour Jam
Tell a Story That Matters
Are you passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, climate action, or creating positive change in your community?
The Earth Stories 48-Hour Film Jam is your chance to turn ideas into impact.
This exciting filmmaking challenge invites young people aged 16-18 to create an original short film exploring our relationship with the environment, climate and global community. You'll work with your team to develop your idea, learn from industry professionals, and produce a festival-ready film in just 48 hours.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, content creator, media student, environmental advocate or simply someone with a story to tell, this is an opportunity to challenge yourself, learn new skills and have your voice heard.
What Is the Challenge?
Working in teams of 3-6 people, you'll create a short film (1-5 minutes) inspired by themes from the international Earth Stories Film Festival.
Before the Film Jam weekend, you'll develop a concept and receive support through workshops and mentoring. Then you'll head to Keele University, where you'll have just 48 hours to film, edit and submit your completed project.
By the end of the weekend, you'll have created a finished film ready for public screening and submission to the Earth Stories Film Festival.
Why Get Involved?
- Gain Real Filmmaking Experience
Learn every stage of the production process, from idea development and storytelling to filming, editing and final delivery.
- Learn from Professionals
Take part in workshops and mentoring sessions led by media specialists from Keele University and Earth Stories Film Festival partners.
- Build Your Creative Portfolio
Create a finished film that can be used for university applications, showreels, portfolios and future opportunities.
- Meet Like-Minded Creatives
Work alongside young filmmakers, storytellers and changemakers from across the region.
- Make Your Voice Heard
Use film to explore important issues such as climate change, biodiversity, sustainability and community resilience.
- Showcase Your Work
Every completed film will be screened at a dedicated showcase event, with support provided for submission to the Earth Stories Film Festival.
What Happens Before the Film Jam?
You'll take part in a series of pre-production activities designed to help you develop the strongest possible idea.
These include:
- Introduction to the Earth Stories Film Festival themes and the Film Jam Brief
- Two virtual workshops
Workshop One: April 2027
Developing narratives on environmental themes beyond cliché, understanding what makes a film competitive for selection, scripting, storyboarding, and sourcing sustainable/local props/costumes.
Workshop Two: May 2027
Concept development where teams receive feedback on their ideas, ensuring they are focused, feasible, and aligned with the festival’s vision.
- Guidance on scripting and storyboarding
- Pre-production planning support
This helps ensure your team arrives prepared and ready to make the most of the 48-hour challenge.
The 48-Hour Film Jam Weekend (11th – 13th June 2027)
Friday Evening
Join us online for the official launch event. You'll receive the final brief, meet the Earth Stories Film Festival team, and expert film producers who will help prepare groups for the weekend.
Saturday
Spend the day filming your project on Keele's beautiful campus, in studio spaces, or at approved local locations that support your story. You’ll have access to studios, sound booths, drones, and editing labs.
Saturday and Sunday
Edit your footage, add sound and graphics, and shape your final film with technical support available throughout the weekend.
Sunday Evening
Submit your completed film before the final deadline and celebrate what you've achieved.
Film Themes
Your film should respond to one or more of the themes explored by the Earth Stories Film Festival, including:
- Climate justice
- Biodiversity and nature recovery
- Sustainable futures
- Community resilience
- Environmental action
- People, place and planet
We're looking for original stories, creative perspectives and fresh ideas that inspire audiences to think differently about the world around them.
Who Can Take Part?
The Earth Stories 48-Hour Film Jam is open to young people aged 16-18 from across the region.
Participants can enter through:
- Schools and Colleges
- Youth organisations
- Media courses and film clubs
No professional filmmaking experience is required. All we ask is that you bring creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate.
Be Part of Earth Stories
The Earth Stories 48-Hour Film Jam is more than a filmmaking competition. It's an opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people, explore important global issues and create something meaningful.
If you've got a story to tell, we want to hear it.
Gather your team, develop your idea and join us for an unforgettable weekend of creativity, collaboration and environmental storytelling.
Ready to get involved?
Register your interest today and become part of the next Earth Stories 48-Hour Film Jam.
[link to registration of interest form]
Key Dates:
Register Interest: October – December 2026
Book your place: January 2027
Begin Pre-Production: April 2027
48 Film Jam Weekend: Saturday 12th June and Sunday 13th June 2027
If you have any questions, please contact a.gibbings-gardner@keele.ac.uk
