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.
This year’s Project Pitch features three distinct streams:
For filmmakers under the age of 30 ready to take the next step in their careers.
For scripted short films with a strong creative vision and clear path to production.
For non-fiction projects with a compelling story and meaningful perspective.
(01)
Submit your project for consideration—no application fee and no financing required upfront. We’re looking for exceptional stories and a committed key creative team ready to bring them to life.
(02)
Our programming team will select finalists in each category.
(03)
Finalists will pitch their project live on stage at the Wolf Performance Hall on Sunday, October 25th, followed by a Q&A with our panel of judges.
(04)
Winners will be announced live at the Closing Awards Ceremony.
Key creative team members (Producer, Director, or Writer) must have a demonstrated connection to London, Ontario or the surrounding region.
The film must be primarily shot in London, Ontario.
Projects must align with one of the three pitch categories (Emerging Filmmaker, Narrative Short Film, or Documentary Film).
Whether you’re a filmmaker learning the art of the pitch or a film lover curious about how projects get greenlit, Project Pitch is one of the festival’s most exciting live events.
Join us at the Wolf Performance Hall and see the next generation of films take their first step toward the screen.
