South Carolina Film Commission

06/05/2026

Check out THE OBSCURE CHARM OF LOSS, only on The INDIE GRANTS Channel - https://youtu.be/lYyIRUVh1AY

From Co-Writer and Director Justin Urban: "This film isn't based on a true story but is an interpretation of my perception of how some families, including mine, handle tragedy and loss. Shooting each scene as a oner forced the viewer to be stuck in these awkward moments. By not cutting into coverage allowed the tension and awkwardness to build and create a more eccentric perspective."

Written by Jacob Cleveland and Justin Urban of Charleston.
Directed by Justin Urban
Starring: Chase Anderson, Annie Hamilton, Bill Winkler, Amanda Tavares BettyLynn Allison

06/04/2026

South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project Returns June 5–7, Inviting Filmmakers to Create a Film in Just One Weekend

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project returns June 5–7, 2026, challenging filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just 48 hours.

The 48 Hour Film Project is the world's largest timed filmmaking competition, bringing together filmmakers of all experience levels to create a complete short film in a single weekend. Each team is assigned a genre and must incorporate a specific character, prop, and line of dialogue into their film.

The competition begins with a hybrid Kickoff event at 6:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 821 Whitlock Street in Spartanburg, allowing participants to join either in person or virtually from anywhere in the world.

Completed films must be submitted by 7:30 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

This year's competition includes filmmakers from across South Carolina, throughout the Southeast, and beyond. Participants range from first-time filmmakers to seasoned professionals. Among them is one Ohio filmmaker who will be competing in his 46th 48 Hour Film Project, with a personal goal of completing 48 different 48 Hour Film Projects before turning 48 years old.

Registration remains open, and anyone interested in filmmaking—from complete beginners to industry veterans—is encouraged to participate.

Following the competition, all films will be screened publicly during the South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project Screening & Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Richardson Center for the Arts at Wofford College.

The June 20 event is free and open to the public, offering audiences the opportunity to see what local filmmakers can create in just one weekend. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Films will compete for awards in categories including Best Film, Best Directing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Acting, Best Writing, and more.

The winning film will advance to Filmapalooza, the international championship of the 48 Hour Film Project, which will be held in Curaçao in March 2027. There, filmmakers from around the world will compete for top honors and the opportunity to screen their work at the Cannes Short Film Corner.

"We're excited to welcome filmmakers from across South Carolina and beyond," said Ashley Crane, South Carolina City Producer. "Every year we see first-time filmmakers working alongside experienced professionals, and the results are always incredible. The 48 Hour Film Project is about creativity, collaboration, and proving that great stories can come from anywhere."

The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project continues to showcase the growing strength of the state's film community while providing hands-on opportunities for filmmakers to develop their skills, build professional networks, and create new work.

The event is made possible through the Urban League of the Upstate, whose ongoing investment in the arts strengthens workforce development and expands opportunities within the region's film industry.

The Urban League of the Upstate's partnership reflects a shared mission to bridge the gap between local talent and global industry. By investing in creative pipelines, the organization is expanding career opportunities and industry access for filmmakers throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.

Registration is now open at 48hourfilm.com/southcarolina

Screening + Awards Ticket Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-south-carolina-48-hour-film-project-screening-awards-tickets-1990807800723?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

A fast-paced weekend in which teams compete to create the best short film in only 48 hours, using required elements. The films premiere at a local cinema.

06/01/2026

Just released! THE OBSCURE CHARM OF LOSS, only on The INDIE GRANTS Channel - https://youtu.be/lYyIRUVh1AY

"Triggered by the absurd nature of each other’s emotional response to loss, a fractured family sets out for the one thing they think they can do together -- dinner."

Written by Jacob Cleveland and Justin Urban of Charleston. Directed by Justin Urban. Starring: Chase Anderson, Annie Hamilton, Bill Winkler, Amanda Tavares, BettyLynn Allison

INDIE GRANTS submissions now open. Deadline Aug. 3. Get everything you need @ https://www.indiegrants.org/indie-grants



https://youtube.com/shorts/h2THpd5K7Bw?feature=share

Just released! THE OBSCURE CHARM OF LOSS, only on The INDIE GRANTS ...

05/28/2026

🎯🎯Free producers panel on Saturday, June 13th, at 2pm, on THE BUSINESS OF INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. At Simons Recital Hall at College of Charleston.

Veterans from the international production industry will hold a lively, informative discussion on the evolving global film and TV market, focusing on a holistic approach to helping more independent South Carolina projects get off the ground and become financially viable.

This will also be a great space for networking among S.C. production professionals and entrepreneurs.

All are welcome. The panel is free but a simple registration is required. Get more info and register @

George Parking Garage34 St Philip St.Charleston, SC 29424Veterans from the international production industry will gather on Saturday, June 13th, at 2pm for a lively, informative panel discussion on the evolving global film and TV market, focusing on a holistic approach to helping more independent So...

05/27/2026

🎉🎉Just announced! The 2026 winners of the S.C. YOUNG FILMMAKERS PROJECT! After 60 quality entries from across the state, these high school short films took home the gold.

Watch them on The INDIE GRANTS Channel - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gT3asRjUnr0_wyDOVoQGuT4f0ZSRJ-Y

And watch first place winner THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A GOLDFISH by Allison-Ann Crotwell of Lexington below!

Next year's contest coming this Fall. So keep those stories coming!



https://youtu.be/8W2RI2KsCyo

A tired, football obsessed dad tries to construct a toy plane for his daughter. Meanwhile, his lazy pet goldfish gets trapped under a megaphone, forced to pr...

05/20/2026

🎬🎬Madeleine McGraw stars in ROBBIE AIN'T RIGHT NO MORE with Jadon Cal, as a young woman who's brother returns from war with a most disturbing souvenir. Watch now on The INDIE GRANTS Channel! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gT3asRjUnoxlVbEqsgvcfImF-aY5bm1

(DISCRETION ADVISED for language and gore.)

Madeleine achieved breakthrough success for her role as Gwen Blake in the hit horror film THE BLACK PHONE and its 2025 sequel. Known for her commanding presence in thriller and horror genres, she has earned multiple acting awards and was honored with the Star on the Rise Award at the Astra Film Awards. (And she's the voice of Bonnie in TOY STORY 4!)

05/20/2026

Disability Documentary to Premiere in Columbia

“Mark: A Call to Action” to screen in July at the Richland Library
Coincides with the Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

“Mark: A Call to Action” tells the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, an American with disabilities whose incredible journey to Japan led to his work as an international accessibility and disability rights advocate.

The documentary is premiering in Columbia on Sunday July 26, 2:30pm in the Auditorium downtown at Richland Library Main (1431 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201). Admission is free.

July 26 also marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush.

The film first premiered in Tokyo in February 2024 followed by its U.S. premier in June 2024 to sold out audiences at The Bryn Mawr Film Institute.

The 90 minute film was produced and directed by Charleston’s Ron Small and serving as executive producer was Billy Keyserling, former mayor of Beaufort. Both will be in attendance at the premiere.

“This is a must-see documentary on a most important topic,” review of Matt Davison, The Sound View.

Dr. Bookman became one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations around the world.

Director Small says, “I believe everyone involved in disability access and education in South Carolina will benefit from seeing and hearing Mark’s story. Making this film was a labor of love and I am looking forward to sharing it this summer.”

Collaborators in the screening include: the School of Information Science (University of South Carolina) and Richland Library.

Following the screening representatives of the disability community will be engaged in conversation.

The documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” shares Mark’s story and how his tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not on...

05/18/2026

ROBBIE AIN'T RIGHT NO MORE is a subversive sci-fi horror take on PTSD from combat veteran Kyle Perritt (originally from Manning, now in Mt. Pleasant). Check it out on The INDIE GRANTS Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vblae90vQk4&t=2s

From Kyle: "For years I've wanted to make a film that was able to capture a bit of the strangeness of abruptly returning to civilian life after serving as an infantryman in a war zone. A bit of what it's like for someone to leave their childhood home and return with something obviously missing, and perhaps something new. What it's like confronting people who would gladly vote to invade a country but are much too entitled to do it themselves.

What it's like for a young girl to see her brother become something unrecognizable; consumed by some awful thing that cannot be explained, something that will be sure to rear its ugly head. ROBBIE AIN'T RIGHT NO MORE is my attempt at capturing a small bit of that."

05/14/2026

South Carolina Filmmakers Shine Internationally at Lisbon Festival

Spartanburg, SC — South Carolina filmmakers are gaining international recognition as two Upstate-created films were recently screened in Lisbon, Portugal at Filmapalooza, the global festival of the 48 Hour Film Project.

One of the featured films, Rewrite, earned its place on the international stage after winning the South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project in June 2025. Created by team “JoyFilm,” led by Ed Connolly of Spartanburg and Joy Stamp of Greer, the film competed locally against primarily South Carolina teams with South Carolina-based judges. Its win advanced the film to Filmapalooza, where it screened alongside more than 120 films from around the world for a chance to be featured at the Cannes Short Film Corner.

A second Upstate film, Temporia, also screened at the festival after earning eight awards in the international City Producer 48 Hour Film Project competition in December 2025. Produced by South Carolina City Producer Ashley Crane of Spartanburg and created with an Upstate South Carolina cast and crew, the film highlights the strength and collaboration of the region’s filmmaking community.

“We’re proud to see South Carolina represented on such a global platform,” said SC City Producer Ashley Crane. “Having multiple films from the Upstate screen internationally speaks to the talent and dedication of our local filmmakers. 2026’s winning films will screen at Filmapalooza in Curaçao, so I can’t wait to see who will be heading down there from the Upstate with us for a nice, island vacation celebrating an international love for the craft of storytelling!”

Filmapalooza brings together winning films from 48 Hour Film Project competitions worldwide and offers more than just screenings. The event includes workshops, keynote speakers, and professional development opportunities, as well as cultural experiences in the host city.

Three women from the Upstate attended the festival, representing South Carolina and the region’s growing creative presence. Organizers extend special congratulations to Joy Stamp, Ed Connolly, and the entire “JoyFilm” team for the success of Rewrite.

The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project returns June 5, 2026, with registration now open. This year’s event will feature a hybrid kickoff, allowing participants to join in person or virtually from anywhere in the world. The competition invites filmmakers of all experience levels to create a short film in just 48 hours. Each team is assigned a genre and must incorporate a specific character, prop, and line of dialogue into their film.

Completed films will be screened publicly in Spartanburg on June 20, 2026, followed by an awards ceremony.

The South Carolina 48 Hour Film Project is made possible through the support of the Urban League of the Upstate, whose commitment continues to create a workforce and industry pipeline and expand opportunities for filmmakers across the region. By showcasing local talent in Lisbon, these filmmakers prove to regional youth that a world-class creative career can start right here in the Upstate.

The Urban League of the Upstate’s partnership reflects a shared mission to bridge the gap between local talent and global industry. By investing in these creative pipelines, the League is not only supporting the arts but is actively expanding workforce development and career success for students and families throughout the region.

05/14/2026

Now playing on The INDIE GRANTS Channel - ROBBIE AIN'T RIGHT NO MORE in four exciting episodes. "A young girl’s brother returns from war with a most disturbing souvenir."

Starring Madeleine McGraw (BLACK PHONE 1 &2, OUTCAST). Written and directed by Kyle Perritt.

WATCH FOR FREE BELOW. On The INDIE GRANTS Channel.

A young girl’s brother returns from war with a most disturbing souvenir. Part 1 of 4. WATCH ALL EPISODES @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gT3asRjUn...