Cash prizes for fast filmmaking competition, open to all.

The Zurich Film Festival has launched the ZFF 72 Talent Contest ahead of its 10th edition (Sept 25 - Oct 2).

Participants - either individuals or teams - will be given 72 hours to create a film clip with a specified theme lasting no longer than 72 seconds.

Those wishing to take part have until Sept 24 to register at zff.com. The theme of the short film will be announced online at the start of the contest on Sept 26 at 12noon. Entrants are free to choose the genre of their film but must deliver within 72 hours, on Sept 29.

A jury of specialists and the worldwide online community will judge the entries. There are prizes totalling CHF10,000 ($11,000) to be won: The Viewers Award is endowed with CHF4,000 ($4,400), and the Jury Award with a CHF5,000 ($5,400) cash prize. Both winners also each receive a CHF500 ($545) voucher for online platform Pond5.

A help desk will be set up in the Festival Centre at Sechseläutenplatz for the duration of the contest where students from Zurich University of the Arts will be on hand to offer help and advice. Participants also have free access to approx. 50 media files from Pond5, which they can download and use in their entry.

The works will be judged by the public, which will vote via zff.com, and by a jury of film and social media professionals. This jury comprises UK film producer Lucas Ochoa; Bart Wasem, freelance clips and visuals designer; Benjamin Kniel, member of the Swiss band Klischée; and college graduate Aurelia Weickart, who has just written a paper about film education in schools.

Public Voting begins on Sept 29 at 6pm, six hours after the film submission deadline, and runs until 12noon on Oct 3.