Kirk Norstrom sits down with his long-time co-producer and “partner in crime,” Kris Flink, to finally tell the origin story of how they met—and how a chaotic, last-minute handoff during a family emergency turned into a true producing partnership. From their early days training at Freehold Theatre (and the legendary “GAP” story lesson) to co-running Seattle and building a reimagined statewide Montana 48 Hour Film Project, Kris and Kirk dig into what makes the 48 community feel like family: collaboration, growth, global friendships, and real access for filmmakers who otherwise couldn’t afford to participate. They also talk Filmapalooza: Kris’s first experience in Rotterdam (including awards on the SS Rotterdam), standout films and performers, and how international connections expand perspective—especially during difficult world events. The conversation closes with what they’re building next: more inclusive participation through grants and registration subsidies, better workflows through digital drop-off, and a new Montana model designed for a big state with filmmakers spread across multiple hubs. Key topics / moments • Meeting at Freehold Theatre and learning “GAP” (expectation vs. outcome) • The moment Kris stepped in to run an awards show—and became co-producer • Filmapalooza community, standout films, and Rotterdam as a first-time “epic” event • “City producers become family” and the value of global creative connections • Grant writing as a growth engine: subsidies, access, and equity in participation • Digital drop-off + tech improvements enabling a statewide Montana relaunch • The new plan: Montana as a state-wide event with screenings in multiple cities Credits Host: Kirk Norstrom Guest: Kris Flink Production: CREATE48 Media Network & the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project

Host Kirk Nordenstrom reconnects with longtime friend and filmmaker Indus Alelia. From her early career as a professional ballerina to stunt work in films like Zombies of Mass Destruction and Leverage, Indus found her way into the 48 Hour Film Project in 2009 and has since completed more than 20 films. She shares stories about silent films under flight paths, animated 48s, mentoring young and female filmmakers, and building community through film.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom welcomes Wouter van Gestel, Technical Director of the 48 Hour Film Project and City Producer for Eindhoven. Known as the “Wizard of the 48,” Wouter shares how he helped transform the competition’s technical backbone — from digital uploads and Cinema48 to building common tools that now empower city producers worldwide.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom reconnects with actor, filmmaker, and producer Rachelle Henry, who began her 48HFP journey at just 11 years old. Rachelle shares stories of her early days in Seattle, her transition to Los Angeles, and her work on major projects including Gaslit (with Julia Roberts and Sean Penn) and an upcoming Netflix series. Together they reflect on community, career growth, and the enduring connections built through the 48 Hour Film Project.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom welcomes Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks and Washington State Film Commissioner, for a conversation about filmmaking, community, and the future of Washington’s creative industry. Amy shares her perspective on the next generation of storytellers, the unique energy of the 48 Hour Film Project, and why fostering community is just as important as competition.

In this urgent special episode, host Kirk Nordenstrom speaks with Polish filmmaker Mirosław Olinksy, who is launching an Anti-War 48 Hour Film Project Initiative in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, the role of the global 48HFP community, and how filmmakers worldwide can use short films to spread hope, peace, and solidarity with both Ukrainians and Russians who oppose the war. The episode also highlights the spirit of Filmapalooza—a global family of filmmakers bound by creativity, compassion, and the drive to make an impact.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom and co-producer Kris Flink sit down with filmmaker Dave Flores, winner of the inaugural Missoula 48 Hour Film Project (now Montana 48HFP). Dave shares his journey from working on B-movies in Europe to building a filmmaking career in Montana. The conversation dives into incentives, challenges of production in a non-turnkey state, how Montana can incubate local talent, and the emotional process of making his award-winning 48HFP drama. With plenty of laughs (and a few beers), this episode highlights why Montana is more than just a backdrop—it’s a growing hub for storytelling.

In part two of host Kirk Nordenstrom’s conversation with Steve Nash, co-producer of the Toronto 48 Hour Film Project, the discussion gets real about missteps, language, and lessons learned. Kirk opens up about an award he presented poorly in Seattle, and how a filmmaker’s grace turned a mistake into an opportunity for growth. Together, Kirk and Steve explore the evolution of diversity and inclusion in the 48HFP, the challenge of gendered awards, and how representation has improved both on screen and behind the camera. From there, the conversation travels (literally) across continents—from Toronto to Seattle, from Vancouver to the Balkans—highlighting the friendships, stories, and global connections that make the 48 community so powerful.

Host Kirk Nordenstrom welcomes one of his “maple syrup brothers,” Steve Nash, co-city producer of the Toronto 48 Hour Film Project. In this first half of a two-part conversation, Kirk and Steve reflect on the deep friendships forged through Filmapalooza, their experiences running 48HFP in Toronto and Seattle, and the challenges of judging and awards. The discussion ranges from wrap parties to recognition, from diversity in filmmaking to keeping the spirit of the 48 alive. This candid exchange is filled with honesty, humor, and heartfelt stories from two long-time producers who see themselves more as cheerleaders than critics.

In this episode of 48 Hour Heroes: Origin Stories, host Kirk Nordenstrom sits down with filmmaker and city producer Chad Terry. Chad has run the Albuquerque and Denver 48 Hour Film Projects and worked as a health and safety manager on productions like Better Call Saul. He shares unique insights into COVID compliance on set, the importance of thinking beyond yourself when it comes to health, and how the industry can continue caring for its people post-pandemic. The conversation also dives into community, resilience, and the role Filmapalooza played in bringing producers together just as the world was changing.