Patrick Bennett Takes the Helm as Festival Director of Film Faster 48 – The Fastest Festival in Indie Film

Veteran Festival Founder and Indie Champion Joins Dr. Xavier Mitchell’s Vision to Lead 48-Hour Cinematic Showdown.
- (1888PressRelease) July 10, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA – Film Faster 48—the revolutionary 48-hour film challenge where creativity meets career opportunity—is proud to announce Patrick Bennett as its official Festival Director. The appointment marks a major milestone in the festival’s mission to disrupt the traditional Hollywood pipeline and launch the next wave of creative talent.
Bennett, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and founder of three acclaimed Louisiana-based film festivals, brings over 20 years of expertise in grassroots filmmaking, event leadership, and storytelling advocacy. His festivals—including the Lake Charles Film Festival, Calcasieu Parish Short Film Festival, and Calcasieu Serialfest—have become landmark events in the Southern indie film scene.
“Patrick is the perfect embodiment of what Film Faster 48 stands for—raw talent, passion, and a deep commitment to building up the next generation of creators,” said Dr. Xavier Mitchell, creator of Film Faster 48 and CEO of Providence Film Group and Valiant Eagle Inc. “With his leadership and our vision, we’re giving filmmakers a path to real credits, real careers, and real Hollywood access.”
A Career-Making Prize Package
Winners of Film Faster 48 won’t just walk away with a trophy. They’ll earn:
• A co-producer credit on a fully financed Hollywood feature film produced by New Republic Pictures and Brian Oliver.
• Profit participation and backend equity in the feature
• Access to red carpet premieres, professional mentorship, and national media exposure
• Long-term brand visibility and distribution opportunities
It’s one of the only film competitions in the world where the grand prize is not just recognition—but a real, paying job on a Hollywood film.
Bennett’s Role as Festival Director
As Festival Director, Patrick Bennett will take charge of:
• Overseeing festival logistics, judging, and filmmaker relations
• Curating programming, panels, and live events
• Mentoring emerging filmmakers and championing diverse voices
• Acting as the festival’s public ambassador and lead spokesperson
• Driving partnerships with schools, sponsors, studios, and cultural institutions
“I’ve spent my life building platforms for filmmakers, and this might be the most exciting one yet,” said Bennett. “Film Faster 48 takes the best parts of indie filmmaking—speed, grit, collaboration—and adds something rare in this industry: a real shot at the big leagues.”
Film Faster 48 officially kicks off with a Crew Launch Party on August 8 and culminates in a Hollywood Premiere Weekend, August 18–20, where top films will be screened, winners announced, and doors opened.
Registration is open now at [www.FilmFaster48.com].
ABOUT FILM FASTER 48
Film Faster 48 is an innovative 48-hour film festival where creatives of all backgrounds compete to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just two days. Hosted by Providence Film Group and powered by the vision of Dr. Xavier Mitchell, the festival blends speed, artistry, and opportunity—offering life-changing prizes that convert filmmakers into working Hollywood co-producers.
Media Contact:
publicity ( @ ) filmfaster48 dot com
www.filmfaster48.com
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