FAQ


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


TWO FIVE COMPETITION (Super 8 / 16mm)


Do I have to be a filmmaker to apply? 

Super 8 category: Ideally, applicants will have some experience with visual arts, video and/or filmmaking and have developed the skills needed to go through the process of writing and shooting a film. Our competition programme will support the technical and conceptual development of projects, offering script feedback, pre-production assistance and mentorship. However, a basic understanding of filmmaking and at least amateur level of experience is essential.

16mm category: For this category, we welcome more seasoned filmmakers, particularly those with more technical knowledge of analog formats and digital cinema cameras.


Can I apply as a student?

 Of course. Anyone older than 18 years is welcome to apply.


Do applicants have to be based in Egypt?

The Two.Five competition programme is designed for applicants based in Egypt, who are physically able to partake in the technical and conceptual preparation as well as pre-production and production sessions. These will take place between mid-February to April 2024.

Strong applications that reflect prior experience in this specific approach to filmmaking may be invited to participate in the out-of-competition programme. Further details can be found in the next FAQ.


Do applicants have to go through the competition programme? 

Applicants wishing to simply submit a finished project in the form of an exposed Super 8mm film can participate in the out-of-competition programme.


Shortlisted out-of-competition submissions will be screened at the Two.Five Festival in September 2026, but will not be eligible for any of the competition prizes.


For more information about the out of competition programme, please email hello@twofive.film. 


Can I apply as a team or are applications for individuals only?

 You are encouraged to apply in teams of 2-4, each member having a role in the making of the film. Applying as a team increases your chances of being accepted, as it demonstrates organization and commitment. However, there should be one main person responsible for the project (i.e. the author/director) under whose name the application will be made.


What is the difference between the Super 8 and 16mm competitions?

 Both categories fall under the umbrella of the Two.Five competition, challenging participants to shoot a short film on one cartridge of film (duration 2.5 mins) with no post production allowed. However, the difference lies in the camera and film format used. Super 8 is the smallest analog format and is amateur-friendly and accessible. 16mm is slightly more challenging as the 16mm camera is more technically complex. For this reason, we advise more amateur filmmakers to apply for the Super 8 category;the 16mm category is more appropriate for seasoned filmmakers who have experience with analog cameras and/or digital cinema cameras.


Do I have to know how to use a Super 8 or 16mm camera?

 For the Super 8 category, you are not expected to have previous experience shooting on analog. Super 8 is a simple and accessible format, originally invented for home-movie use. Our technical orientation sessions will familiarize you with the camera and its features, ensuring you are confident enough to use it when the time comes for shooting.

For the 16mm category, we do expect that at least one member in the team has previously worked with analog formats or can demonstrate prior technical experience with cinema cameras.


If I am the director and have experience with digital cinema cameras, can I apply on my own for the 16mm category?

Definitely. The important thing is that one team member at least has solid technical experience.


Can I apply for more than one category?

You should only apply for the Super8 OR 16mm competition categories, not both. Please decide which is most appropriate for your technical level and film.

You may apply for both the Two Five competition AND the Prototype Programme, but if you are the leader or take a central role in both projects, we will only select you for one, depending on the strength of your application.


Can I apply more than once for the same category?

No. We ask that you apply only once, selecting the idea that you think is strongest given the context of the competition.


What if the films are very different?
Even so, we ask that you pick the film you feel strongest about and that you feel will be most suitable to produce within the framework of the competition’s limitations. Remember that you will be developing, shooting and post-producing this film for several months, so it should be a project you want to spend this much time and energy on!


Do I need to own a camera and film?

No, we will provide the camera, film stock as well as some other basic equipment you might need to produce your film.


What if I don't have any actors or crew members? Will you help us find them?

We can help with casting calls and recruiting crew. However, we do expect filmmakers to be independent and resourceful, doing their best to problem solve and deal with the many challenges common to indie film production!


What if my film is a mixture of documentary and fiction?

We understand that films can blur the lines between documentary and fiction, however we ask that you pick one category of the two to which your project leans. Our definition of documentary is quite broad and includes, for instance, docu-fiction, docu-drama and other experimental documentary forms.


Can I apply with any idea or is there specific criteria?

We are looking for bold cinematic voices and are open to any genre or film style. However, another very important factor to consider is the FEASIBILITY of the project within the specific limitations of TWO.FIVE - i.e. a film that can be successfully shot on one canister of Super 8 film (2.5 mins duration) with no post-production. Projects that cannot be achieved within these limitations will be disqualified, regardless of their originality or creative value.


Can I change the idea I apply with at a later stage?
Not really. You should apply with an idea for a film that you are confident and passionate about. Of course, over the course of your script development and mentorship sessions, your idea will develop and evolve, however it shouldn’t vary massively from the one you initially applied with.


Why is there a competition fee for selected projects?

The fee for those participating in the Two.Five programme covers the price of the developing and scanning of the Super 8/16mm film on which each team will shoot their movie. Details of this fee can be found in each application.


Why do I have to apply with my idea rather than submit a film?

 Firstly, the concept of Two.Five is both exciting and challenging in that it doesn’t allow any post-production and expects filmmakers to edit in-camera, shooting their films as they will be screened. To do this successfully (on the first attempt!) will require substantial script development and pre-production. Because we wish each team to reach their highest potential, and produce beautiful films, we have decided to take teams through a short development programme to prepare them, both technically and conceptually, for the Two.Five challenge.

Secondly, Super 8 and 16mm have only recently been re-introduced as movie formats, and most of us in Egypt are still unfamiliar with the cameras and technology. We don’t wish for this to intimidate or limit access to what is essentially a very creative and enjoyable cinematic exercise. On the contrary, the idea behind reviving analog technology is to strip filmmaking to its essentials, allowing participants to lean on good storytelling for the true substance of their movies. We therefore wish to give everyone the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Super 8 and 16mm and feel absolutely comfortable with the medium by the time they are due to shoot their films.


What sort of preparation for shooting my film will you offer?

We have designed a programme - in some ways, a sort of accelerated 8-week film school - featuring discussions about storytelling and independent film production with filmmakers, as well as script development sessions, pre-production sessions, technical orientation sessions and film screenings.


How many winners are chosen?

 Three winning films will be chosen, one in each of the following categories: Best Film, Most Original Voice, and Audience Award.


What are the prizes for winning films?

 The prizes will be shared in detail at a later stage. However, they include: a trip to attend an international film festival, a Super 8 camera and 5 Super 8 Films gifted by EASTMAN KODAK!



PROTOTYPE PROGRAMME



What is the Prototype Programme?
The Prototype Programme invites early-career filmmakers to apply with a proof-of-concept script for a longer project (short film or feature) they are working on. The purpose of this proof-of-concept is to test their larger project conceptually and technically, and to strengthen their pitch as they seek funding and production support.

The Prototype Programme is not a competition; the purpose is to provide a framework for the development, pre-production and production of these films, pushing them to their fullest potential and eventually shooting them on 16mm. Within this framework, Two.Five will act as Creative Producers for the five selected projects. Filmmakers will work on the development of their projects, participate in group discussions, read one another’s scripts, and attend pitches and peer-to-peer feedback sessions.


Are there any rules or limitations?

  • Prototype/proof-concept films must be shot on 2 x 16mm film cartridges + 1x Super 8 cartridge OR 3 x 16mm cartridges;
  • Teams may purchase up to 2 additional films for use (16mm or 8mm) at a subsidized price. Developing and scanning for extra films will also be paid by teams (at a subsidized rate);
  • Expected final duration of films is 3-5 minutes;
  • Films can include dialogue or be silent;
  • Post-production is allowed (editing, coloring, sound design, music);
  • Post-production will be the responsibility of filmmakers. While the Two.Five team will offer guidance and some resources (subsidized rates with colorists and sound designers), a majority of the process should be handled independently.
  • The project’s director should NOT have already made his/her first feature film. They may have worked on one or several shorts.


Do I have to apply in a team?

 Because the Prototype Programme targets ambitious and committed early-career filmmakers, we expect they will have already begun organizing the production of their film. We ask that you apply in teams of at least 2 (director, DOP), as projects must have a dedicated cinematographer. Other roles can include producer, assistant director, editor, art director, etc.

There should be one main person responsible for the project (i.e. the director) under whose name the application will be made.


What will Two.Five offer me?
As Creative Producers of your film, Two Five will help with the development, pre-production, post production, screening and distribution of films.

Development will take place in an intensive filmmaking programme (January - March 2026) featuring mentor-led masterclasses, workshops, discussions as well as pitching practice and peer-to-peer feedback. In the pre-production phase, we will offer technical guidance and support with the specifics of shooting on 16mm and Super 8. In the production phase, we will provide filmmakers with a 16mm Bolex camera and basic lighting package. The post-production (developing and scanning) of both 16mm and Super 8 will be carried out at Two.Five cine lab. Finally, we will screen films at the 2026 Two.Five Festival at Zawya Cinema, and afterwards link filmmakers with relevant producers and pitching platforms.


Why do I have to submit a treatment or script for the longer project?

 Since this is specifically a Prototype Programme aimed at supporting early-career filmmakers, we would like to ensure that applicants are not simply interested in producing a short film on 16mm/Super8, but that this film is indeed a stepping stone to producing a long short or debut feature film.


How ready does my Prototype script have to be?

 We ask you to submit a Prototype script that is at least at a second draft stage, i.e. has undergone some development but is in need of feedback and further development before beginning pre-production. We also expect submissions to factor in that the running time of Prototype films is expected to be between 3-5 mins and shot on analog format with limited resources.


Is there an entry fee?

 The fee for those participating in the Two.Five Prototype Programme is 5500 EGP. This covers the price of the developing and scanning of the Super 8/16mm film on which each team will shoot their movie. Details of this fee can be found in each application.


What will happen to my film after it's made?

Films produced as part of the Prototype Programme will be screened at the 2026 Two.Five Festival hosted by Zawya Cinema. In the months that follow, we will link filmmakers with relevant producers and pitching platforms that may improve their chances of acquiring support and/or feedback for their longer projects.


Can I create a trailer instead of a short film?

As well as offering filmmakers an opportunity to test their ideas on a conceptual and technical level, we are looking to produce strong proof-of-concept films that will convincingly build the world of the longer projects in question. For this reason, we wish to work on prototype shorts that bring to life a critical scene from, or else a condensed version of, the longer story. Although we are open to suggestions for other approaches to the proof-of-concept, we are not interested in producing a trailer.