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CHALLENGES

OUR FILMMAKING AND ACTING CHALLENGES ARE DESIGNED TO IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY, ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS, AND KEEP YOU PASSIONATELY ENGAGED IN YOUR CRAFT.

Each challenge serves as a platform for inspiration, education, and entertainment, fostering a community-driven environment that encourages continuous learning and growth. Participate in these challenges not only to hone your abilities but also for the chance to earn exciting rewards. Join us in this artistic adventure, where innovation meets practice, and let your passion for filmmaking and acting thrive!

THURS MAY 8 - SATURDAY MAY 10

RUSH 48HR SHORT
FILM CHALLENGE

SUNDAY MAY 11: FILM SCREENING & AWARDS SHOW

The RUSH 48-Hour Film Challenge is an adrenaline-fueled competition where teams of filmmakers race against the clock to create a short film from scratch in under 48 hours. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or an experienced creator, this challenge is your chance to showcase your storytelling skills and compete for awards.

HOW IT WORKS

Kickoff Event (May 8, 2025 – 11PM)

Each team will receive a set of required elements, including a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue that must be incorporated into their film.

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48 Hours to Create

Teams will have exactly two days to write, shoot, edit, and submit their films by the deadline.

 

Film Submission (May 10, 2025 – 11PM)

All films must be submitted on time to be eligible for judging and awards.

 

Screening & Awards Ceremony

All completed films will premiere on the big screen, followed by an awards ceremony celebrating the top films.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

  • Open to filmmakers of all ages and experiences​

  • Participate solo or as part of a team (2-10 members is recommended)

  • FILM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! The kickoff and film screenings and awards presentations will take place in St. Catharines, ON, but teams can shoot in any location.

RULES & GUIDELINES

  • All creative work must be completed within the 48-hour timeframe. No pre-written scripts, pre-recorded footage, or pre-made VFX.

  • Use any equipment you have access to—from professional cameras to smartphones. The challenge is about storytelling, not gear!

  • Films must be [time limit] minutes or less and submitted in MP4/MOV, 1080p, PRORES format.

  • Content restrictions apply—excessive violence, explicit sexual content, and hate speech will not be accepted.

REGISTRATION

Entry Fee: $150 per team

(if this is a barrier to entry, please reach out)

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Fill out the registration form below

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Check out our FAQ for more details!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PLEASE ENTER THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE PERSON ON YOUR TEAM WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COMMUNICATIONS.

Multi-line address

TEAM INFORMATION

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE?
BEGINNERS
INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
PROFESSIONALS
REGISTRATION FEE
CA$150
faqs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(subject to change)

When does the challenge start and end?

The challenge kicks off at 5PM on THURSDAY MAY 8, 2025 and all films must be submitted by 5PM on SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025 — exactly 48 hours later. Late submissions will not be accepted.

 

Where does the challenge take place?

While you can film anywhere, the official Kickoff Event and Film Drop-Off will take place at: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, St. Catharines Ontario, Canada

 

Do all team members need to attend the kickoff event?

Only one representative from each team is required to attend the kickoff to receive the challenge details and required elements. The Kickoff will also be live-streamed for teams that cannot attend in-person.

 

What is provided at the kickoff event?

Teams will receive a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue that must be incorporated into their film.

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Who can participate in the RUSH 48-Hour Film Challenge?

Anyone of any age can participate. The challenge is open to both amateur and experienced filmmakers, including students, independent creators, and emerging professionals.​

 

Do I need a team to participate?

No, you can enter as an individual or as part of a team. However, filmmaking is a collaborative effort, so we encourage forming a team to cover different roles like directing, writing, acting, and editing.​

 

Is there a limit to how many people can be on a team?

No, but we recommend teams of 2-10 members for manageability.

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Do I need filmmaking experience to join?

Not at all! The RUSH 48-Hour Film Challenge welcomes filmmakers of all skill levels. Whether this is your first film or your tenth, the goal is to challenge yourself and have fun.

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Can I use pre-recorded footage or pre-written scripts?

No. All creative work—writing, shooting, and editing—must be done within the 48-hour timeframe. However, you may use stock music, provided you have the proper licensing.​

 

Can I submit more than one film?

No. Each team may submit one film only per challenge.​

 

Can I participate if I don’t have my own equipment?

Yes! While having your own camera and editing software is helpful, many smartphones shoot high-quality video, and there are free or low-cost editing programs available. If you need equipment, we recommend checking local film co-ops, schools, or rental houses.​

 

Are there any content restrictions?

Yes. While we encourage creative freedom, films must avoid excessive violence, explicit sexual content, and hate speech. Films that violate these guidelines may be disqualified.

PRODUCTION

& TECHNICAL

REQUIREMENTS

(subject to change)

What is the maximum film length?

Films must be 10 minutes or less, including credits.​

 

What format should our film be submitted in?

Films must be submitted in MP4/MOV, 1080p, PRORES, via [upload TBD]

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Is there a restriction on the type of camera or equipment we can use?

No! You can use any camera or equipment you have access to—from professional cinema cameras to smartphones. The challenge is about creativity, not gear, so use what works best for your team!

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Are we allowed to add visual effects?

Yes! However, all effects must be created within the 48-hour period. No pre-made or pre-rendered VFX allowed.

JUDGING & SCREENING

(subject to change)

How will the films be judged?

A panel of industry professionals will evaluate films based on:

  • Story & Creativity – Engaging narrative and originality

  • Technical Execution – Cinematography, editing, and sound design

  • Performance – Acting and overall character engagement

  • Use of Required Elements – How well the assigned elements are integrated

 

What awards are available?

  • Best Film

  • Best Lead Performance

  • Best Supporting Performance

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Sound Design

  • Best Editing

  • Best Story

  • Best Directing

  • Audience Choice Award

  • Best Use of Prop

  • Best Use of Genre

  • Best Use of Dialogue

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When and where will the films be screened?

All completed films will be screened at VENUE TBD followed by an awards ceremony.

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