Murfreesboro, TN – Tonight (Friday 10/3/2025), the Bragg Building at Middle Tennessee State University will transform into a hive of nonstop creativity as 50 animation students gear-up for a whirlwind 24-hour competition. Starting at 6 p.m. tonight and running straight through to 6 p.m. the next day, these students will be participating in the international 24-Hour Animation Contest, hosted by MTSU’s ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter.
This isn’t just any contest—it’s a high-stakes creative sprint. Ten teams, each made up of five students, will be given a surprise theme at the start of the event. From that moment on, it’s a race against the clock to produce a fully animated 30-second short film. No faculty assistance is allowed, which means students are entirely on their own, relying on teamwork, quick thinking, and sheer determination to bring their ideas to life.
The Bragg Building’s animation labs will be buzzing with energy, as students sketch, animate, and render through the night. It’s a test of endurance as much as it is a showcase of talent. The goal? To push creative boundaries, learn to collaborate under pressure, and walk away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the animation industry.
For many participants, this contest is more than just a challenge—it’s a rite of passage. Past students often describe it as one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of their academic careers. It’s where friendships are forged in the fire of shared deadlines, and where students discover just how much they’re capable of when the clock is ticking.
Visitors and supporters can find the action in room 148 of the Bragg Building, located at 1735 Blue Raider Drive in Murfreesboro. So if you are suffering from insomnia and can’t sleep, head over to watch the 24-hour ANIMATION MARATHON. Parking is available in the Honors Lot or Bragg Lot, and a campus map is accessible online for those unfamiliar with the area.
As the countdown begins, one thing’s for sure: sleep will be scarce, but creativity will be overflowing. Let the animation marathon begin.
