In this urgent special episode, host Kirk Nordenstrom speaks with Polish filmmaker Mirosław Olinksy, who is launching an Anti-War 48 Hour Film Project Initiative in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, the role of the global 48HFP community, and how filmmakers worldwide can use short films to spread hope, peace, and solidarity with both Ukrainians and Russians who oppose the war. The episode also highlights the spirit of Filmapalooza—a global family of filmmakers bound by creativity, compassion, and the drive to make an impact.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom and co-producer Kris Flink sit down with filmmaker Dave Flores, winner of the inaugural Missoula 48 Hour Film Project (now Montana 48HFP). Dave shares his journey from working on B-movies in Europe to building a filmmaking career in Montana. The conversation dives into incentives, challenges of production in a non-turnkey state, how Montana can incubate local talent, and the emotional process of making his award-winning 48HFP drama. With plenty of laughs (and a few beers), this episode highlights why Montana is more than just a backdrop—it’s a growing hub for storytelling.

In part two of host Kirk Nordenstrom’s conversation with Steve Nash, co-producer of the Toronto 48 Hour Film Project, the discussion gets real about missteps, language, and lessons learned. Kirk opens up about an award he presented poorly in Seattle, and how a filmmaker’s grace turned a mistake into an opportunity for growth. Together, Kirk and Steve explore the evolution of diversity and inclusion in the 48HFP, the challenge of gendered awards, and how representation has improved both on screen and behind the camera. From there, the conversation travels (literally) across continents—from Toronto to Seattle, from Vancouver to the Balkans—highlighting the friendships, stories, and global connections that make the 48 community so powerful.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom welcomes one of his “maple syrup brothers,” Steve Nash, co-city producer of the Toronto 48 Hour Film Project. In this first half of a two-part conversation, Kirk and Steve reflect on the deep friendships forged through Filmapalooza, their experiences running 48HFP in Toronto and Seattle, and the challenges of judging and awards. The discussion ranges from wrap parties to recognition, from diversity in filmmaking to keeping the spirit of the 48 alive. This candid exchange is filled with honesty, humor, and heartfelt stories from two long-time producers who see themselves more as cheerleaders than critics.

In this episode of 48 Hour Heroes: Origin Stories, host Kirk Nordenstrom sits down with filmmaker and city producer Chad Terry. Chad has run the Albuquerque and Denver 48 Hour Film Projects and worked as a health and safety manager on productions like Better Call Saul. He shares unique insights into COVID compliance on set, the importance of thinking beyond yourself when it comes to health, and how the industry can continue caring for its people post-pandemic. The conversation also dives into community, resilience, and the role Filmapalooza played in bringing producers together just as the world was changing.

In episode six of 48 Hour Heroes Origin Stories, host Kirk Nordenstrom interviews Brian Bowers, the former assistant director of operations for the 48 Hour Film Project worldwide. They discuss Brian’s journey from blogging to becoming a key figure in the 48HFP. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of organizing such events, the growth of Film of Palooza, and the impact of the pandemic on hybrid event models. Brian recounts his experiences with local film communities, the evolution of the 48HFP infrastructure, and the significance of the organization in fostering emerging filmmakers.

In this episode of 48 Hour Heroes Origin Stories, host Kirk Norden Strom talks with Olivier DSOs, who oversees the 48 Hour Film Project events across France. Olivier shares his journey from participant to city producer, detailing the unique challenges and triumphs of organizing 10 events throughout the country. The discussion also covers the vibrant atmosphere of Film Palooza, cultural differences in film production between the US and Europe, and the resilience of the 48 Hour Film Project during the pandemic. Highlights include anecdotes of memorable films, the administrative support in Paris, and the evolving nature of the competition.

In this episode, Kirk Nordenstrom sits down with Spencer and Jared Harvey, the brother duo behind some of the most inventive and award-winning films in Seattle 48HFP history. Known for their creative risk-taking, polished production, and occasional sibling tension, the Harveys share what it’s like to work with family under extreme time pressure—and why they keep coming back for more. They also break down their viral split-screen film “Negative Split,” how they plan their visual storytelling, and what’s changed in their filmmaking process over the years. Whether you’re a 48HFP rookie or a returning champion, this episode is packed with insight and laughs.

In Episode 2, host Kirk Nordenstrom chats with Indra Van’t Hoof, the longtime producer of the Amsterdam 48 Hour Film Project and one of the most imaginative voices in the international 48HFP scene. From claymation to chaotic genre draws, Indra shares stories from the frontlines of Dutch creativity—including what makes Amsterdam’s film community so vibrant, how animation teams approach the 48-hour challenge, and the unique energy that international filmmakers bring to the competition. It’s a global spin on DIY filmmaking that proves great stories—and wild weekends—know no borders.

In this premiere episode of 48 Hour Heroes, we sit down with Mark Ruppert, the founder of the 48 Hour Film Project. Mark shares how a wild idea between friends grew into a global creative movement spanning 100+ cities. We talk about the early days, the unexpected chaos, and why fast filmmaking still matters. If you’ve ever hit export at 7:59 PM on a Sunday, this one’s for you.