The 2025 El Paso 48 Hour Film Project proved once again that creativity thrives under pressure. Among the dozens of films created in just two days, one stood out and stole the show. “Dynamite”, a superhero-themed short that not only won Best Film but also swept seven additional awards, cementing its place as a Borderland triumph.

This was a big win. Created by Team Lapso, a cross-border filmmaking collective from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, in collaboration with Frame Studios, "Dynamite" captivated audiences and judges alike. The film earned accolades for multiple awards including:

Best Film

Best Directing

Best Writing

Best Ensemble

Best Supporting Talent

Best Sound Design

Best Use of Character

Plus, the coveted Audience Award

This sweep took place during the awards ceremony on October 23, 2025, at the El Paso Premiere LUX Cine 17 inside Bassett Place Mall. The El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission was proud to support this year's event as an Official Sponsor. Local filmmaker and photographer Roberto Tibuni served as this year's City Producer, organizing pre-event meetups, casting calls and both the official premiere screenings and the Awards Ceremony.

Director Jonanthan Fernandez was honored to work on his second first place short film (his Lapso Team entry "La Communidad" won El Paso's 2024 competition) and had this to say, "Dynamite is more than a short. It's a reflection of the passion that unites us for cinema. From Juarez to El Paso, and from our hearts to the world."

Here are annual film competition’s required elements this year's competition:

Character: A cook

Line of Dialogue: “I wish I could do that.”

Prop: A lightbulb

Genre: Superhero

Team Lapso turned these constraints into a comedic, Spanish-language short about an aging luchador who dusts off his mask for one last fight for justice. The result is a heartfelt and humorous take on heroism that was funny and sweet, and resonated with local audiences.

Here are the key filmmakers for the team.

Director: Jonathan Fernandez Writer: David Ibave Cast: Osvaldo Esparza, Sabrina Bueno, Carlos Arellanes Director of Photography: Sergio C. Braddy Editor: Charly Burrola Production Manager: Juan E. Oates Sound Design: Moises Terrazas (“MoyTV”) Art Director: Ambar Aranda (“JOJO”)

Winning Best Film means Dynamite will represent El Paso at Filmapalooza 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, competing against other city winners from around the globe. If it triumphs there, the film will earn a coveted screening slot at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the “Yes We Cannes” program—a dream opportunity for any filmmaker.

Congratulations to Team Lapso!