Film Challenges

Updated on September 2, 2026

HIGHLIGHTS

Films created during the challenge will be 3-6 minutes in length, and must use a specified genre, prop and Image.

Packages may be picked up or emailed to participants at 6PM on October 16, 2026.

Upload your film before 6PM on October 17, 2026. Films uploaded after 6PM on the 17th will still be screened, but will not be eligible for any awards (except Audience Choice).

Contact for each team MUST be over the age of 18.

CONSIDER ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES WHEN DECIDING HOW TO FILM.

DETAILS

1. 1. Teams must be able to complete their film within the official time of the 24 Hour Challenge. This time is from 6PM, October 16 to 6PM, October 17. No exceptions will be made to dates of the challenge.
   2. Emails will be distributed at exactly 6PM on October 16, 2026 and will contain: Assignment, Challenge rules and regulations, upload information, and festival contact info in case of questions.
   3. Upload of the finished film must be done by 6PM on October 17, 2026. Upload information will be sent/given to each team. We will let you know when the film has been received. When naming your film, please use the following format: “Team Name-Film Name”.
   4. If you are unable to upload your film before the Challenge deadline (October 17 at 6PM) you may still upload it before midnight on October 17. The Society will screen films that are submitted late but these films will not be eligible for any awards. The exception: These films will still be eligible for the Audience Choice award.

Film Rules

1. 1. Films will be no more than 6 minutes in length and incorporate the prop, line of dialogue, and genre listed on the assignments page in each team’s production package.
   2. All creative work will be completed within the official time. Creative tasks that must only be completed during the official time include: script writing, editing, filming, and special effects. Tasks that may be completed before the official time begins include: hiring cast and crew, securing equipment, and obtaining permission from possible locations.
   3. Films should open with 2 seconds of black and 5 seconds of title card (containing team name, your unique genre, and film title). End credits may be no longer than 60 seconds in length. This 60 seconds of credits may contain no story content. The time allotted to the black, title card, and end credits is not included towards the 6 minutes allowed for the film. However, opening credits will be counted towards film time should a team wish to use them.

Team Rules

1. 1. The Main Contact for each team must be over the age of 18 (this person may just be our contact and does not need to participate).
   2. Teams have no size limit. Consider finding actors, a director, and an editor.
   3. All participants on the team (cast, crew, musicians, or others) must be volunteer.
   4. It is the responsibility of the teams to make sure all equipment is working appropriately during the challenge. The Society will not make any exceptions due to equipment failure. Please consider rendering and exporting times when scheduling.

Copyright and Content Rules

1. 1. All material must be self-composed or royalty free. This includes characters, images and music. However, no stock footage may be used; all video must be shot during the official time. Our Resources page has some links to royalty-free content suitable for use. See rule about AI content.
   2. AI generated content may not be used under any circumstances to create visual content, performances, script, or required elements. AI is permitted for idea generation/ outlining and editing tools/post production assistance. (such as sound mixing or visual effects enhancement)
   3. Filmmakers keep all rights to the film after the screening. Filmmakers may submit the film to any film festivals and social media platforms or sell distribution rights. The Okotoks Film Society maintains non-exclusive screening rights and can screen the films at Okotoks Film Society events or use them for advertising purposes.

Film Screening Information

1. Screening will take place on October 18, 2026 at 6:00PM. This screening will be held LIVE online at the following link: watch.okotoksfilmfestival.ca
2. All awards will be given out during the 24-hour screening. Awards include: Best Film, Best Use of Line, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Genre, and Audience Choice.
3. The Online LIVE screening is free. Filmmakers are welcome to invite anyone to watch at the listed link.

Any Team that doesn’t comply with these rules and regulations may be disqualified.

HIGHLIGHTS

Films created during the challenge will be 3-6 minutes in length, and must use a specified genre, prop and Image.

Packages may be picked up or emailed to participants at 6PM on May 15, 2026.

Upload your film before 6PM on May 17, 2026. Films uploaded after 6PM on the 17th will still be screened, but will not be eligible for any awards (except Audience Choice).

Contact for each team MUST be over the age of 18.

CONSIDER ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES WHEN DECIDING HOW TO FILM.

DETAILS

1. 1. Teams must be able to complete their film within the official time of the 48 Hour Challenge. This time is from 6PM, May 15 to 6PM, May 17. No exceptions will be made to dates of the challenge.
   2. Team packages will be handed out on May 15, 2026 at the Okotoks Town Plaza. If your team is unable to attend the hand out presentation please let us know at the time of registration. If you attend the hand out presentation you will receive a box with goodies, your prop, and all challenge items. The address for the presentation is 50 McRae St, Okotoks, AB T1S 1J3
   3. Packages will be distributed at exactly 6PM on May 15, 2026 and will contain: Assignment (prop and 2 genres), Challenge rules and regulations, upload information, other goodies, and festival contact info in case of questions. Nothing in your bag is required to show up in your film.
   4. Upload of the finished film must be done by 6PM on May 17, 2026. Upload information will be sent/given to each team. We will let you know when the film has been received. When naming your film, please use the following format: “Team Name-Film Name”.
   5. If you are unable to upload your film before the Challenge deadline (May 17 at 6PM) you may still upload it before midnight on May 17. The Society will screen films that are submitted late but these films will not be eligible for any awards. The exception: These films will still be eligible for the Audience Choice award.

Film Rules

1. 1. Films will be no more than 6 minutes in length and incorporate the prop, line of dialogue, and genre listed on the assignments page in each team’s production package.
   2. All creative work will be completed within the official time. Creative tasks that must only be completed during the official time include: script writing, editing, filming, and special effects. Tasks that may be completed before the official time begins include: hiring cast and crew, securing equipment, and obtaining permission from possible locations.
   3. Films should open with 2 seconds of black and 5 seconds of title card (containing team name, your unique genre, and film title). End credits may be no longer than 60 seconds in length. This 60 seconds of credits may contain no story content. The time allotted to the black, title card, and end credits is not included towards the 6 minutes allowed for the film. However, opening credits will be counted towards film time should a team wish to use them.

Team Rules

1. 1. The Main Contact for each team must be over the age of 18 (this person may just be our contact and does not need to participate).
   2. Teams have no size limit. Consider finding actors, a director, and an editor.
   3. All participants on the team (cast, crew, musicians, or others) must be volunteer.
   4. It is the responsibility of the teams to make sure all equipment is working appropriately during the challenge. The Society will not make any exceptions due to equipment failure. Please consider rendering and exporting times when scheduling.

Copyright and Content Rules

1. 1. All material must be self-composed or royalty free. This includes characters, images and music. However, no stock footage may be used; all video must be shot during the official time. Our Resources page has some links to royalty-free content suitable for use. See rule about AI content.
   2. AI generated content may not be used under any circumstances to create visual content, performances, script, or required elements. AI is permitted for idea generation/ outlining, music creation (BUT NOT LYRICS), and editing tools/post production assistance. (such as sound mixing or visual effects enhancement)
   3. Filmmakers keep all rights to the film after the screening. Filmmakers may submit the film to any film festivals and social media platforms or sell distribution rights. The Okotoks Film Society maintains non-exclusive screening rights and can screen the films at Okotoks Film Society events or use them for advertising purposes.

Film Screening Information

1. Screening will take place on June 13, 2026 at 7:00PM. This screening will be held at the Okotoks Cinemas and complete with the Okotoks Film Festival wrap party. There will be a BBQ following the screening FREE for all attendees.
2. All awards will be given out during the 48-hour screening. Awards include: Best Film, Best Use of Musical, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Genre, and Audience Choice.
3. Teams will be given five free tickets to watch the films screening

Any Team that doesn’t comply with these rules and regulations may be disqualified.