The 48Hours Team

Ness Patea - 48Hours National Manager

The 48Hours season is hands-down my favourite time of year. It’s when our filmmaking whānau comes together, tells wild stories, and makes movie magic in just one weekend.

This competition is where my own filmmaking journey began—it sparked a passion that’s taken me from one project to the next, and now, to the role of National Manager.

What I love most is the grassroots energy of it all. Supporting both new and seasoned filmmakers across Aotearoa is a privilege, and I'm proud to be part of a kaupapa that celebrates creativity, community, and bold storytelling.

Ruth Korver - 48Hours National Manager

I first entered 48Hours back in 2004 and ended up competing nine times. In 2013, I produced the Grand National Champion with Traces of Nut—and figured that was a good note to retire on.

But 48Hours had other plans. I soon found myself co-managing the Wellington event, which eventually led to taking on National Operations. These days, I spend more time on the comp than ever—four full months each year—but at least I get to sleep during shoot weekend now!

Luckily, I absolutely love this wild, brilliant competition and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ant Timpson - 48Hours Founder

48Hours began in 2003 as part of the Incredibly Strange Film Festival—a nod to the chaotic weekend shoots I used to do with friends as a teenager.

That first year, we had 44 teams, which felt massive at the time. The finish line was Chinatown Cinema in downtown Auckland, and when I saw Jaquie Brown in tears at the end, I knew we’d tapped into something special. The packed-out heats, the electric energy of the Civic Grand Final—it was clear this wasn’t just a one-off.

Since then, 48Hours has grown into a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s creative culture. It’s been recognised by the NZFC, NZ On Air, Sir Peter Jackson, Ministers of Broadcasting—even Prime Ministers—as a vital launchpad for talent.