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48 Hour Film Project - Toronto
Christopher Cherry
City Producer
Steve Nash
City Producer
The countdown to DROP OFF has begun…
Previous Years
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2026
- 48 Hour Film Horror SciFi Project - Toronto 2026
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2025
- 48 Hour Film Horror Sci-Fi Project - Toronto 2025
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2024
- 48 Hour Film Science Fiction Project - Toronto 2024
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2023
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2022
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2021
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2020
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2019
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2018
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2017
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2016
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2015
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2014
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2013
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2012
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2011
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2010
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2009
- 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto 2008
When?
16
-
18 Oct 2026
Goal?
Make a FILM in 48 hours and attend its PREMIERE SCREENING!!
Movie magic comes to 48 Hour Film Project - Toronto this weekend! Teams of filmmakers will receive their genre and required elements at the Kickoff Friday, then hit the road to write, shoot and edit their short films.
All completed films will screen at their WORLD PREMIERE! Plan to attend this exciting event, where this weekend’s films will be showcased.
Here are some important notes for 48HFP filmmakers:
- Team Leader Agreement: This document must be filled out by the Team Leader and uploaded to the Team Dash page prior to Kickoff. Download the form here. Find upload instructions here.
- Kickoff: At least one member of the team must attend the Kickoff event to receive genres and the required elements assignment.
- Elements: The required elements include the character, prop and line. (Double check them here 1 hour after kickoff.)
- Media: You must submit your film according to the formats listed on your Team Dashboard.
- Documents: You must upload the required filmmaker paperwork on Sunday by midnight. Prepare for this and download here.
- Rules: Make sure that your film complies with our Filmmaking Rules and Competition Rules. For questions, go to the FAQ.
- Weekend Questions: If you have a question during the filmmaking weekend that’s not answered in the rules or FAQ, contact your city producer by phone or text. If you email or message on social media instead, you may not receive an answer in time.
- Drop Off: Your film and paperwork must be uploaded to your team page on your Dash.
Be safe! Make great films! Good luck!
See you at Kickoff!
Character
Wynn Santos - Personal Assistant
Wynn Santos - Personal Assistant
Line
“Just living the dream.”
“Just living the dream.”
Prop
a Marker
a Marker
Dropoff:
by 7:30 PM to be on-time
00 :
19 :
08 :
52
Sundayby 7:30 PM to be on-time
🎥 135 Teams are making a short film for the 19th annual Toronto 48 Hour Film Project!
🎬 This is our biggest year yet — a massive celebration of the filmmaking community, bringing together more than 1,500 filmmakers for creativity, chaos, collaboration, networking, screenings, after-parties, awards, prizes, and the unforgettable rush of making a movie from scratch in just 48 hours.
Teams will have just 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and deliver a brand-new short film — and then we’ll screen all of the completed films on the big screen at the Revue Cinema! 🎥✨
🏆 We’ll be handing out more than 30 awards, along with a ton of amazing prizes — including a $5,000 rental package from Panavision Canada for the winner of Best Cinematography.
See the Events Section below for Premiere Screening information and ticket links.
We can’t wait to see what they create! 🏆🌎✨
Go Teams Go!
Follow us on Social Media
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DROPOFFFri, Oct 16, 2026 7:00 PM🎥 SUNDAY NIGHT — FILM DROP-OFF
Making a film in 48 hours is a marathon, and getting to Sunday night with a finished movie is a huge accomplishment.
Some teams will cross the finish line before 7:30 p.m. Others will need a little more time. We’ll be cheering for all of you.
Everyone who submits a film should be proud of what their team accomplished in one crazy weekend — and we can’t wait to celebrate every finished film on the big screen at the Revue Cinema.
Keep going. You’re almost at the finish line. 🎬
⏰ THE 7:30 P.M. DEADLINE
Your finished film must receive its checksum by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 18 to be considered on time and remain eligible for all awards.
1️⃣ ON TIME — CHECKSUM BY 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY
🎬 Premieres at the Revue Cinema
🏆 Eligible for all awards
2️⃣ AFTER 7:30 P.M. BUT BEFORE MIDNIGHT SUNDAY
🎬 Premieres at the Revue Cinema
❤️ Eligible for the Audience Favourite Award
❌ Not eligible for the other competition awards
3️⃣ SUBMITTED MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
For Toronto, we will also accept films submitted on Monday, October 19 for screening only.
🎬 Your film will still receive a Premiere Screening at the Revue Cinema
❌ Not eligible for any awards
Monday, October 19 is the final day to submit a film and still receive a Premiere Screening.
Every year, roughly 20% of our teams come in late. If that’s you, don’t give up. Finish your film and send it to us. We still want to see it — and we still want to put it on the big screen.
✅ ONCE YOU START DROP-OFF, DON’T PANIC!
When you drag your finished film into the Film Drop-Off box, the system creates a checksum — a unique fingerprint of your file.
Your checksum time is your Drop-Off time.
The fingerprinting process can take a couple of minutes, so:
👉 Best advice: aim to start Drop-Off by 7:00 p.m.
Your entire film does not have to finish uploading by 7:30 p.m.
As long as you receive an on-time checksum and do not change the original film file, you can:
✅ Refresh your browser
✅ Restart an interrupted upload
✅ Switch computers
✅ Finish the upload from another location
The system will recognize the exact same, unchanged file and retain your original Drop-Off time.
So if your browser freezes, your computer crashes or your internet connection gives you trouble after you have an on-time checksum:
DON’T PANIC. Use the exact same film file and keep going.
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📤 HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Film Drop-Off is completely online.
Log in to your 48HFP Team Dashboard, select your Toronto team and go to the Film Drop-Off / Upload area.
We strongly recommend using Chrome or Firefox.
We do not recommend Safari for uploading your film or paperwork.
Once your checksum has been created, do not change the film file.
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Before you upload your film:
✅ Make sure you’re submitting the correct final version
✅ Make sure your film story is between 4 and 7 minutes
✅ Check that your required slates and end credits are included
✅ Make sure your final file is 2 GB or smaller
✅ Play the exported file and make sure it opens and plays properly
✅ Give the picture and sound one last check
🌐 Film primarily in another language? Make sure you follow the 48HFP subtitle requirements and upload the required .srt subtitle file by 7:30 p.m.
Then submit it. You made a movie in 48 hours — get it across the finish line! 🎬
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💻 TECH SPECS, TEMPLATES & EXPORT
Your Team Dashboard contains the official Film Submission Instructions, Title Templates, Tech Specs, and Pre/Production/Post links.
🎬 REQUIRED FILE SIZE
All submitted films must be 2 GB or smaller.
🎥 RECOMMENDED EXPORT SPECS
We master the films for our Premiere Screenings using the following specifications:
Codec: H.264
File format: .mp4 or .mov
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1920 × 1080
Frame rate: 24 fps
Pixels: Square
Scan: Progressive
Whenever possible, we recommend submitting your finished film using these specs.
A film delivered close to our screening master format generally gives us the best source file to work with when preparing your film for the big screen.
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🎞️ SLATES, RUNNING TIME & CREDITS
REQUIRED PRE-FILM SLATES
Before your film begins, your submitted file should have:
5 seconds — BLACK
5 seconds — TITLE CARD ( Team Name, Film Title, Genre, City, Date)
5 seconds — TITLE CARD ( “This film was made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2026. www.48hourfilm.com”) or (Use the official 6-second animated 48HFP bumper.)
2 seconds — BLACK
🎬 YOUR FILM BEGINS
Templates for the title cards and the animated bumper can be found in your Team Dashboard.
You do not have to use the supplied templates. You may create your own title cards as long as the required information and timing remain the same.
⚠️ Important: Any music placed underneath the required 48HFP slates counts toward your film’s 7-minute maximum running time.
⏱️ FILM LENGTH
The finished film must be:
Minimum: 4 minutes
Maximum: 7 minutes
The official running time begins after the required 48HFP slates and ends before the end credits.
The required slates and end credits do not count toward the 4-minute minimum.
Your film story may not be longer than 7 minutes.
OPENING CREDITS
Opening credits are not encouraged.
If you use them, they are considered part of the film and therefore count toward the 7-minute maximum.
If your opening credits include anything beyond simply the title of your film — such as director, actor or producer names — they must also include the words:
“a 48 Hour Film Project”
END CREDITS
End credits may be a maximum of 60 seconds and are additional to your film’s 4–7 minute running time.
That means a film may run for 7 minutes, followed by up to 60 seconds of end credits.
Bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage may be included during or after the end credits, but everything must remain within the 60-second credit limit.
Your end credits must include:
“This film was made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2026. www.48hourfilm.com”
🎭 **Using ACTRA members?** Remember to include the ACTRA logo in your end credits. See the ACTRA section below for the other requirements.
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🔊 CHECK YOUR AUDIO
Your film is going to play in a movie theatre, so give that final mix a listen before you submit.
Make sure:
✅ Dialogue can be heard clearly
✅ Sound levels are reasonably consistent
✅ Nothing is unexpectedly much louder or quieter than the rest of the film
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📄 PRODUCTION DOCUMENTS
All required production documents are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday night.
You do not need to have your paperwork uploaded by the 7:30 p.m. film deadline — but everything must be completed by midnight.
The required forms and online documents are available through your **Team Dashboard**.
WHAT YOU NEED
📋 Wrap Up Form
1 per team — completed online
Provide the final details about your film and filmmaking weekend.
👥 Team Roster
1 per team — completed online
Make sure everyone who worked on your film is listed correctly. We use this information for team and award records.
✍️ Certification Statement
1 per team
The Team Leader signs this form confirming that all creative work took place during the Official Competition Period.
👥 Waiver & Release Forms
1 per cast or crew member
Every member of your cast and crew must sign their own Waiver & Release Form.
All cast and crew participating in your 48HFP film must be volunteers.
🎵 Music Release Forms
1 per song / artist
Every song or piece of music used in your film must be properly cleared.
If original music was composed for your film during the weekend, the composer signs the release.
If you use music from a licensed music library, make sure you have the appropriate rights and complete the required release information.
📷 Materials Release Forms
1 per item / creator
Use this form for third-party materials incorporated into your film, including:
* Photographs
* Stock footage
* Sound effects
* Artwork
* Post-production assets or effects
* Video filters requiring licensing or permission
* Other third-party materials
If you didn’t create it and you’re putting it in your movie, make sure you have permission to use it.**
📍 Location Release Forms
1 per filming location
Each filming location requires a Location Release signed by the owner or another person authorized to give you permission to film there.
🤖 AI & Effects Disclosure Form
Required if applicable
If AI or effects were used in your film, complete the required disclosure form and accurately report any AI use on your Wrap Up Form.
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🤖 AI & EFFECTS
Generative AI cannot be used to create content for your 48HFP film, including writing, music, images, footage or generative special effects.
Assistive AI tools used for technical tasks such as noise reduction, audio cleanup, colour correction, stabilization or similar post-production functions are permitted.
Any AI use must be disclosed on your Wrap Up Form.
When in doubt, check the official Filmmaking Rules.
---
🎭 USING ACTRA MEMBERS?
If your team uses ACTRA performers:
✅ Include the ACTRA logo in your end credits
✅ Complete all required ACTRA paperwork
✅ Upload your ACTRA Letter of Understanding into the ACTRA folder in your Team Dashboard
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📸 AFTER THE WEEKEND — DUE OCTOBER 25
Good news: you do not need to worry about your promotional materials during Drop-Off weekend.
You have until Sunday, October 25*to submit:
📸 Behind-the-scenes photos
👥 A group/team photo
🎨 Your film poster
🎬 Your film trailer — if you choose to make one
So on Sunday night, focus on finishing and submitting your film and paperwork.
You can take care of these extras during the following week.
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💡 PAPERWORK TIP
Assign one person on your team to look after releases and paperwork throughout the weekend.
Get forms signed as you go.
It is much easier than trying to track down cast, crew, musicians and location owners at 11:30 Sunday night.
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🆘 UPLOAD TROUBLESHOOTING
My upload is stuck and now it’s after 7:30 p.m.
Don’t worry.
If you received an on-time checksum and have not changed the original film file, refresh your browser and try again.
Your original Drop-Off time should reappear once the fingerprinting phase — the yellow beam — is completed.
Nothing is happening — no yellow beam, no progress.
Sometimes the browser is the problem.
✅ Switch to Chrome or Firefox
✅ If necessary, try another computer
If you already received an on-time checksum, continue using the exact same film file.
Can I finish the upload somewhere else?
Yes.
As long as you have an on-time checksum, you can interrupt the upload and finish it from another computer or location.
Please complete the upload as soon as possible and use the exact same file that received the original checksum.
I’m getting an error saying my file is corrupted.
This may be an upload problem rather than a problem with the actual film.
First, confirm that your finished file plays correctly on your own computer.
Then refresh the browser and try again.
If necessary, switch browsers or computers.
The rules mention a “countdown.” Where is it?
You don’t need it.
The old countdown animation uses a previous 48HFP logo and is no longer part of our standard assets.
It is not required.
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📞 NEED HELP?
If you run into a problem during the weekend, check the official Filmmaking Rules, Competition Rules and your Team Dashboard first.
Still stuck
Call or text the Toronto 48HFP Hotline: You'll receive the City Producer's phone numbers at the kickoff.
We will be checking messages regularly throughout the weekend.
📧 toronto@48hourfilm.com
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🍿 PREMIERE SCREENINGS AT THE REVUE CINEMA
This is where we celebrate everybody.
Whether your film came in at 6:45 p.m., 7:29 p.m., 8:15 p.m. or sometime on Monday, getting a movie finished in one weekend is something worth celebrating.
Your film will premiere on the big screen at the Revue Cinema, alongside the other films in your screening group.
Bring your cast. Bring your crew. Bring your friends and family.
After everything you went through together over 48 hours, this is your chance to sit back, watch your film with an audience and enjoy what you accomplished.
🎟️ Each Team Leader receives two complimentary tickets to their team’s Premiere Screening.
🎟️ Additional tickets can be purchased online through **Eventbrite**.
🔗 Ticket links will be posted in the Events section of the Toronto 48HFP webpage once they are available:
48hourfilm.com/toronto
Make sure your cast, crew, friends and family get their tickets early — our screenings can sell out.
You made a movie in 48 hours. That’s a big deal. We can’t wait to celebrate it with you. 🍿🎬
Premiere ScreeningsMore detailsGroup A: Thu, Nov 5, 2026 6:30 PMGroup B: Sat, Nov 7, 2026 4:00 PMGroup C: Sun, Nov 8, 2026 4:00 PMGroup D: Mon, Nov 9, 2026 6:30 PMGroup E: Tue, Nov 10, 2026 6:30 PMGroup F: Wed, Nov 11, 2026 6:30 PMGroup G: Thu, Nov 12, 2026 6:30 PMGroup H: Sat, Nov 14, 2026 4:00 PMGroup I: Sun, Nov 15, 2026 4:00 PMPremiere ScreeningsThu, Nov 5, 2026 6:30 PMCome see what Canadian filmmakers can create in just 48 hours!
Each Premiere Screening features 14 or 15 brand-new short films, all written, shot and edited over one wild weekend — then shown on the big screen at the Revue Cinema.
These aren’t ordinary movie screenings. The filmmakers, actors and crew who created the films are right there in the theatre, watching alongside friends, family and film lovers. Everyone is experiencing these films together for the very first time — and the energy in the room can be electric.
It’s completely different from watching something at home. You hear the laughs, feel the reactions and share those unexpected moments with the people who actually made what you’re seeing. There’s always something in every film to celebrate — a great performance, a beautiful shot, a clever idea, a huge laugh or an unforgettable moment.
You’ll be amazed by the talent and creativity on display — and by just how much can be created in a single weekend.
The audience gets in on the fun too. At every screening, you’ll vote for your three favourite films, with the top film receiving an Audience Favourite Award.
And the experience doesn’t end when the credits roll. After every screening, we head to Loons Pub, just a three-minute walk from the Revue, to keep the celebration going. It’s a chance to meet filmmakers, make connections, talk about the films and get to know the people behind them.
Tickets are only $15 + HST and Eventbrite fees. Tickets will be available online through Eventbrite, and a purchase link will be posted here on October 16 at 7pm.
Everyone is welcome! Come support these incredible filmmakers, celebrate what they created in only 48 hours and experience one of the most special parts of the Toronto 48 Hour Film Project.
🎬 14 or 15 films. More than 100 minutes of pure entertainment. One big screen. One incredible celebration of Canadian filmmaking.
Let’s fill the theatre and have a unique and amazing time at the cinema! Invite a friend to join you — they’ll be glad you did.
Please note: Films are not rated and may not be suitable for all audiences.Best of Screening & Awards Ceremony 2026More detailsSun, Dec 6, 2026 3:00 PMBest of Screening & Awards Ceremony 2026Sun, Dec 6, 2026 3:00 PMThis is the big one.
Join us as we celebrate the very best of the 2026 Toronto 48 Hour Film Project with our Best Of Screening & Awards Ceremony.
We’ll screen the top 15 films from this year’s competition — 2 hours of pure entertainment featuring some of the most creative, funny, surprising and impressive work created over one incredible 48-hour weekend.
Then the celebration continues with a super-fun 40-minute awards show, where we’ll hand out more than 25 awards recognizing standout achievements in directing, writing, cinematography, acting, editing, sound, visual effects and more.
There are also some incredible prizes up for grabs — including a $5,000 rental package from Panavision Canada for the winner of Best Cinematography.
And, of course, we’ll reveal this year’s Best Film.
The winning film earns the honour of representing Toronto at Filmapalooza, the international festival of the 48 Hour Film Project, being held this year on the beautiful Caribbean island of Curaçao. There, it will compete alongside top 48HFP films from around the world — with the opportunity to advance even further and potentially screen at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner.
This is our chance to come together, celebrate an extraordinary weekend of filmmaking and recognize the incredible talent and creativity in our community.
And the celebration doesn’t end when the awards are handed out. After the screening and awards ceremony, we’ll head to Loons Pub to keep the party going, talk about the films and celebrate together.
Everyone is welcome! Filmmakers, cast, crew, friends, family, supporters and 48HFP fans — come join us for one of the biggest celebrations of the Toronto 48HFP year.
🏆 15 incredible films. 2 hours of entertainment. 25+ awards. Amazing prizes. One unforgettable celebration of filmmaking.<(S)> SCOPEB-CAMBEEFBoy Girl PartyFilm Fun WeekendMaharlikaMotor City NorthPasquino PalsReservoir DogsSeven FilmsTeam Mouthy KidThe Good StuffThehiddenlampstudioDaisy Me RollingFinal Girl Film CollectiveFriendly FilmsHands On CinemaInstafamous ProductionsKosher LinguineMinus Comm FilmsMurdisteboom StudiosOneThruThreeShady AcresSouls in MotionTall Tree ProductionsThe Fast FilmersVoyagerApple Cider Vinegar Et al.Blissett Legacy Entertainment Inc.CAMP ProductionsFFFForget It Jake, We're Legally Barred From Recreating Chinatown In Any FormGoing4picture FilmsGood Friends CollectiveHidden Talents ProductionsN.F.G ProductionsNo Sleep Till MondayR.M.N.B.K.R.Ramen SquadShadow Dinosaur ProductionsTTC DELAY PRODUCTIONS48 Hour Party PeopleAre We Doing the 48?Benelephant StudiosCroaker's AcresEat Another Peach PicturesFarion Bros.magnets, how do they work?Misty CollectiveNo Brunch ClubPerfect World PicturesRhino WorldStairwell FilmsTake2ProductionThe Crazy 48sTone DeafBlack Heart ProductionsBlitzCall Mom ProductionsEat My ShortsHappy AccidentsOne More Media & BK ProductionsPLENTIFILMPost Credits ProductionsSilver Shadow ProductionsSpacedread.tvStrange Cat ProductionsThe Goldador ProductionsThe KreativeToronto Star6 Seasons and a MovieAnti social media productionBlitzcastorChacala FilmsCooped up with Tom Inc.Film CampJoy Provision ProductionsNafis KothakarRoots to ReelsScorched Kiwi FuzzTarguiaThe Rent is DueUGO ProductionsY'good ProductionsYesha ProductionsAmmoniteBailing BucketBeyond InfinityCabin ProductionsGambit MotionHaz PeepsI Majored In Film ProductionsMotionSense and FictionSilver LiningSoft Punch PicturesSutra StudiosunrelatedtopicWaltuh Productions173West StudiosAnahata StudiosBlue Hill ProductionCALL ME MOMMYColombo 6ix FilmsDa Vibin ComicsIntrinsic MuseJust Give Up ProductionsKai ProductionsNo Sleep til SundayOrange Snake ProductionsThe GrogusTwo-Smoking DucksWest Endersons49% Films/VanceWorldMediaAretos ProductionsBig Virgo ProductionsGaleforce ProductionsGrimoire PicturesHappy CamelJust A FriendLATeamSeptember StudiosSheez & FriendsSpector StudiosStudio.RetinaThe BoisThe FrontyardigansSponsors
