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 Puppet Place 48. 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, British UNIMA and The Beijing Puppet Festival!
The Film Challenge Weekend 2026
11, 12 & 13 September 2026
- The Film Challenge will begin at 7pm (BST) on Friday 11 September 2026, when we will announce the three Challenge prompts following the format of ACTION – ITEM – THEME.
- 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 13 September 2026.
- 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
Opportunity for a residency at the Beijing Puppetry festival 2027
£150
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
2nd Place
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
3rd Place
Puppet Place Associate Artist membership
Best of Under 15’s
A Professional Puppet
Best of 16-21
Mentorship with a Puppetry Professional
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
SS Great Britain, We the Curious, Tree Top Golf