The TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge, presented by RBC Royal Bank, challenges teams of high school aged youth to make a short film in just 24 hours.

The Challenge is set to kick off on the morning of February 8, 2014 at 9:00 am, when 20 teams gather for breakfast, and receive their challenge theme and toolkit. Teams will receive a prop, “challenge” shot, and line of dialogue that must be incorporated into the final film. These ingredients are also drawn from the theme.

The team behind the winning film will be awarded $500, courtesy of RBC.  All teams will receive up to three tickets to the TIFF Next Wave Talent Lab on February 15, 2014, and up to three tickets to the TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge final screening.

Jennifer Tory, RBC regional president for Greater Toronto has this to say about the challenge, “It’s one of many ways we take an active role in supporting and mobilizing the next generation of filmmakers and artists.”

Every year, the TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge follows a theme that’s reflected in the festival’s Movie Marathon and Opening Night Party.  Last year featured a John Hughes Movie Marathon. This year’s theme is Cult Classics: Teen Rebels. Marathon films include Juno, Rushmore, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Donnie Darko and Mean Girls. With this lineup, many of us will also be in line for this year’s screenings. I attended last year, saw some old faves, and found a new fave with Ghost Graduation / Promoción Fantasma.

Still from Donnie Darko Source: TIFF

“The TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge is a really fun chance to make your own film and share it with other teen filmmakers —it’s a good start to life in the professional film world!” explains seventeen-year-old Maiesha Zarin, who is in her second year on the TIFF Next Wave Committee. This is a voluntary advisory team made up of 12 youth dedicated to bringing quality film programming and film-related events to youth across the city.

The Challenge accepts a maximum of 20 teams to participate. The winning team is determined by a jury of professionals selected by TIFF. Submissions are assessed based on originality, creativity, challenge criteria and overall proficiency in form.

To register for the TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge, a team can purchase one ticket online (“add to cart”), over the phone or in person as of January 15, 2014.  Team members should be between 14-18 years old and registration opens January 15, 2014. All films meeting the competition criteria screen Sunday, February 16, 2014 as part of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, be sure to go to the TIFF website for full details. You can also find more information on the Challenge via Facebook. And if curious, here is last year’s challenge winner, SPACEMAN.