EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A team of filmmakers from El Paso and Juarez will represent the Borderland on the international stage as their short film “Dynamite” heads to Filmapalooza 2026, taking place March 25–28 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lapso, a cross-border filmmaking collective of creatives from both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border, in collaboration with Frame Studios, earned the honor after “Dynamite” won Best Film at the 2025 El Paso 48-Hour Film Project.
The win secured their spot at Filmapalooza, where they’ll compete against other top teams from around the world.
Created in just two days as part of the competition, Dynamite went on to sweep eight awards at the local ceremony, held October 23 at the El Paso Premiere LUX Cine 17 inside Bassett Place Mall.
Short film ‘Dynamite’ wins eight awards at the 48 Hour Film Project, including the top honor. Oct. 23, 2025.{ }Credit: Lapso & Frame Studios
In addition to Best Film, the short earned accolades for Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Ensemble, Best Supporting Talent, Best Sound Design and Best Use of Character.
Festival goers found Dynamite to be their favorite short screened as they voted and gave it the “Audience Award.”
The team’s success also opens the door to new opportunities.
Behind the scenes look at the award-winning 48 Hour Film Project winner ‘Dynamite.’ Credit: Lapso & Frame Studios
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If Dynamite wins again at Filmapalooza, it will earn a coveted screening slot at the Cannes Film Festival in France as part of the “Yes We Cannes” program.
As part of the 48-hour Film Project, teams were required to craft a film within 48 hours using specific elements.
In 2025, the required elements were: a character who is a cook, the line “I wish I could do that,” and a story set within the superhero genre—all shot in a single location.
The result was Dynamite, a comedic short, shot in Spanish, about an aging luchador who dusts off his mask for one last fight for justice.
Behind the scenes look at the award-winning 48 Hour Film Project winner ‘Dynamite.’ Credit: Lapso & Frame Studios
Dynamite was directed by Jonathan Fernandez, written by David Ibave, and stars Osvaldo Esparza, Sabrina Bueno and Carlos Arellanes.
Sergio C. Braddy was the director of photography, Charly Burrola the editor, and Juan E. Oates the production manager.
Sound design was handled by Moises Terrazas (“MoyTV”) and Ambar Aranda (“JOJO”) was the art director.
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