The 2026 Forest City 48-Hour Film Challenge was our biggest yet, with a record-breaking 22 teams creating short films from scratch over one weekend.
With 18 teams making it to the finish line, the challenge culminated in a packed grand premiere screening at Hyland Cinema on June 3rd, celebrating the phenomenal caliber of work from our filmmaking community.
Thank you to all the filmmakers and audience members who made the 2026 challenge our biggest one yet.
Registration for the 2027 FC48 Film Challenge will open next spring, be sure to check back then to secure your team’s spot!
The Forest City 48 is the ultimate test of creativity, speed, and teamwork.
We challenge filmmaking teams to write, shoot, and edit a 4-to-8-minute short film in just one weekend.
To keep things interesting, every team is given a specific prop, a line of dialogue, and a shot type that must be featured in the final cut.
Check back in early 2027 to register for the next challenge, or sign up for our newsletter today to make sure you never miss an official announcement!
Learn what required prop, line of dialogue, and shot type you will have to include!
Writing, filming, and editing under the clock.
Getting your film across the finish line by the deadline.
All successful films are screened at Hyland cinema, followed by the awards ceremony.
You don’t need a Hollywood budget, just a team and a dream.
Gather a crew of 5+ people to create your team!
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 FC48 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 final screening of all completed films is a free, public event.
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.
