The Forest City Film Festival’s Project Pitch returns in 2026 with an exciting new format—designed to spotlight the next wave of Canadian filmmakers and accelerate projects into production.
In partnership with Film London, this year’s competition will award three standout projects with the funding, resources, and industry support needed to bring their films to life.
Finalists will take the stage at the Wolf Performance Hall, pitching their projects live in front of a panel of industry experts and an engaged audience of filmmakers, students, and film lovers.
Reveal of the secret elements (Prop, Dialogue, and Location).
Writing, filming, and editing under the clock.
Getting your film across the finish line by the deadline.
All successful films will be screened at the Hyland cinema, followed by an awards ceremony.
You don’t need a Hollywood budget, just a team and a dream.
Bring a crew of 3–5 people (plus your actors!).
Don’t have a team? Register as an individual, and we’ll help match you with other creators to build a “Free Agent” crew.
Use anything from a smartphone to a professional cinema rig. It’s the story that counts.
We celebrate the incredible work produced under pressure with awards in several categories, including:
Read all RULES & FAQ to make sure you understand what the requirements are for a successful entry into the FCFF 48 Hour Film Challenge.
Yes. To cover event and operational costs, there is a modest entry fee due in person at the Friday night kick-off event. The public screening of all completed films is a “Pay What You Can” event, with proceeds helping to support our venue and production staff.
Anyone! We welcome filmmakers of all skill levels—from “green” beginners to seasoned professionals. While international competitors are welcome to join, please note that the challenge requires an in-person presence in London, Ontario.
All core team members must be 16 years of age or older. Actors may be of any age, provided they have a signed parental or guardian consent form.
*Note: As these films are unrated, some content may not be suitable for all audiences.*
You can use any gear available to you, from smartphones and GoPros to professional cinema rigs. To ensure your film can be screened, it must be submitted as an H.264 MP4 file in 1080p using a standard film ratio (16:9, 4:3, or Cinema Wide).
Yes. You (or a representative from your team) must be physically present in London for the Friday night kick-off to receive your secret elements and for the screening event. However, once the clock starts, you are free to film at any location you choose, provided you follow local laws and safety guidelines.
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