The 48 Hour Film Project returns to Las Vegas on April 17.

Las Vegas filmmakers will begin that Friday with nothing but a character, prop, line of dialogue, and genre -- and then they have 48 hours to create a movie.

Inspired by 24-hour theatrical plays, the film version idea was hatched by Washington, D.C. filmmakers Mark Ruppert and Liz Langston in May 2001. Since then, the Project has expanded to over 150 competitions around the world.

Films will be screened at Brenden Theatres (at The Palms) on April 22.

Tonight you can mix and mingle at the Simon Restaurant (Palms Place, 6th floor) among the Project filmmakers. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy a special menu with $4.80 beer, while joining the terror and excitement of filmmakers as they gear up for April 17. Maybe you can even volunteer your services for upcoming films.

To RSVP, email lasvegas@48hourfilm.com.