Challengers will have to produce a short film (no longer than 3 min), for which they will receive 2 mandatory parameters to integrate. They will have 2 weeks to complete their works. The films will have to be ready for screening. Complete details >>>

RULES OF THE CHALLENGE

1. The Challenge is open to anyone under 17 years of age.

2. Individual filmmakers or teams (known as the “Challenger” below) may register (filmmakers can work with as many or as few people as they like on the production of their film).

3. The films can be of any type (fiction, documentary, experimental, art film) or genre (comedy, drama, horror, science fiction, fantasy, etc.)

4. The films should be no longer than 3 min.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Registration closes on Saturday, May 20, at 9 PM (EDST), the day before Pitch Night.

PERIOD OF THE CHALLENGE

The entire YOUTH CHALLENGE will take place from Sunday, May 21, at 5 PM, to Sunday, June 4, at 5 PM (EDST). Challengers will have 2 weeks to complete their works, no more, no less.

PARAMETERS & REQUIREMENTS

On Sunday, May 21, aka Pitch Night, the Challengers will be informed of the mandatory parameters to integrate into their films.

Parameter 1 will be announced at Pitch Night; parameter 2, the curve ball, will be announced 2 days later:

• Parameter 1: Theme (for ex., “Discovery”)

• Parameter 2: Cultural Reference, aka the curve ball:
An object must be incorporated into the scene (for ex., a “flower”).
OIFFA organizers will let the Challengers know what the Cultural Reference is 2 days into the Challenge.

The final films must be submitted on Sunday, June 4, at 5 PM, in the following format (screening-ready): 1920 × 1080 mp4, 48 Hertz.

ADVANTAGES, OBLIGATIONS & PRIZES

Each registered Challenger will receive:
1. Free access to any OIFFA film screening (depending on seating availability);

2. Free tickets to their own film’s screening.

Each registered Challenger must:
1. Attend the Festival (attendance is mandatory for the film to remain eligible in the Challenge);

2. Make him/herself available for Festival activities with other guests.

GRAND PRIZE
All registered Challengers will have the opportunity to win the $500 Grand Prize.

RUNNER-UP
The runner-up Challenger will receive a $250 Prize.

JURY

The winning films will be selected by a jury of 2 to 3 members.

They will judge the films based on which one best incorporated the Challenge’s parameters, as well as on script, cinematography, sound, acting (if fiction), etc.

SCREENINGS

All participating films will be screened locally, in an Ottawa theatre during OIFFA. The Festival takes place from June 13 to 17, 2023.

All Challengers will receive an all-access pass to OIFFA screenings, depending on seating availability. All minors under 12 years of age need to be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian or a responsible adult. Smart dress or business casual for adults.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Saturday, May 13:
Registration opens online

Saturday, May 20:
Registration closes

Sunday, May 21:
Pitch Night & Meet Up
Doors* open at 3:30 PM. Pitch will take place at 4:30 PM. Competition officially starts at 5 PM.

Challengers who are unable to attend in person will be notified of the details via email or text message at 4:30 PM.

Tuesday, May 23:
2 days into the Challenge, Challengers will be notified of the Cultural Reference, via email or text message.

Sunday, June 4:
Challenge ends at 5 PM and all participating films must be submitted to OIFFA, or else be disqualified.

Tuesday, June 13 to Saturday, June 17:
Festival dates | Challenge films will be screened at some point during this event.

Saturday, June 17:
Closing Night Gala | Results of the Challenge will be announced.
Challengers under 12 years of age present at the Gala need to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult.

*Location of Pitch Night to be confirmed to the participants via email and on the website closer to May 21.