How The 48 Works

The National Announcement
In late January or February, 2021, each participating province/territory will make a public announcement on their participation in The 48 and provide details of the timeline leading to local screenings in 2021 and the Canada-wide screening of finalists at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Spring 2022.

At present, seven provinces and two territories are involved — we want them all! Stay tuned for registration, info sessions and instructions leading up to the Challenge. Coming in 2021, on this website, you will be able to look to see which province/territory or city is participating closest to you.

The Registration Period
In March, 2021, participating provinces and territories will host a registration period. There may be some regional variation, so check with organization(s) managing the event closest to you. Please pay attention to announcements, as registration will be on a first come, first served basis. We anticipate a very competitive festival with a limited number of entries, so be ready to register early. Entry fees will be set on a uniform national basis.

The Info-session
In April or May, each participating province and territory will host an info-session (online or in person depending on health/safety conditions) explaining the updated rules and details about the festival. This will be a time to ask questions and connect with local composers, trained actors and extra crew members.

The 48 Challenge
In May or June, for one weekend, each participating province or territory will host The 48 in their locality. The rules and instructions will be similar across all areas, but you will need to inquire and confirm with the organization(s) managing the event closest to where you reside. You will need The Key to begin!

The KEY…
Typically on a Friday, participants will receive an email that the challenge has begun. For example, the challenge may go from 5pm on Friday to 5pm on Sunday. That email will contain your contest key which may include several items mandatory for your film. These could be a theme, the use of a particular camera angle or editing technique, the use of a particular phrase in the script, etc. You will also be provided instructions for film format, export of files and documents that must be handed in with your film.

The Local Screening(s)
In July or August, each participating province and territory will host a local screening of all completed films. This will typically take place in the city in which the managing organization resides. There will likely be some local variation in details, so be sure to check with the organization(s) managing the event that is closest to where you reside.

The National Screening
The national screening will feature selections from each participating province and territory. In Spring 2022, The TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto will host Canada’s, first national 48-hour film festival. Each participating locality will select two films for screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.