Special Events

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The New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative presents to you… the 72-Hour Short Film Contest! This is a chance to create a movie with the amazing tool you carry all the time: your phone! You really don’t need fancy equipment to make a film, you just need your cell phone and a good story.

This contest puts everyone on a level playing field where no one has high-tech, expensive filmmaking equipment. It’s just you, a couple of friends, and your creative talents.

How does this work?

Gather up a team of 1-3 New Brunswick residents, and register as a team by clicking the Register button above!

It is FREE to register, and there is a $200 Prize for Best Film as selected by our panel of judges! Registration has been extended! The last day to register is July 29, 2026 at 11:59pm!

  • Write, shoot, and edit your film using your phone/tablet within 72-hours starting on July 30th at 5pm. You must use the cues from the inspiration package sent to you at that time to brainstorm a theme for your short-film. If the inspiration package is not incorporated into your film, the film will be disqualified.‍ ‍

    Submit your finished film on August 2nd by 5pm by sending an unlisted Youtube link to hpnns@stu.ca for judging. (formats: MP4, MOV). 

    The maximum length of your film, including credits, is a duration of 5 minutes.

    The judges reserve the right to disqualify submissions that include any form of discrimination against a person or group, graphic violence or language, and/or explicit content, etc.

    Only phones or tablets can be used to record video or sound. No other recording devices are permitted. This includes but is not limited to: drones and camera types such as DSLR, mirrorless, point-and-shoot, or GoPro/action.

    Any software or app can be used to record video or sound.

    Any software or app can be used to edit your film, you may use a computer for this.

    Do not use stock footage or images.

    Do not use copyrighted music unless you have a license or permission to do so.

    If you are under the age of 16 years old, you will have a guardian fill out their contact information.

  • Out of five stars, you will be judged on:

    • Script

    • Theme

    • Acting

    • Cinematography

    • Sound

    • Editing/Effects

    • Use of Inspiration package*

    While only our Best Film Award has a cash prize of $200, we want to recognize the artistry of multiple submissions. Our awards are:

    • Best Film ($200 prize!)

    • Best Script

    • Best Acting

    • Best Sound Design & Editing

    • Best Use of Inspiration Package

    • Viral Award**

  • The inspiration package does exactly what it sounds like!

    We will be sending you a couple of variables for you to include within your film. This could be prompts for dialogue, location choices, etc.

    The use of the inspiration package also is intended to keep folks on the same page for the contest so that no films could have been previously fully planned out. Therefore, the inspiration package must be used to create your film. If the inspiration package is not incorporated into your film, your film will be disqualified.

  • So, you want to challenge yourself even more!

    This year, the NB Filmmakers’ Co-operative wants to see local filmmakers do something out of the ordinary. We challenge you to post your film to Instagram and tag the NB Film Co-op (@nbfilmcoop). The film with the most likes by August 24 will win the Viral Award!

    DISCLAIMER: Do not post your short film on social media if you intend to enter it into any film festivals or other contests. Posting art on social media may be viewed as a form of publication, and therefore, can disqualify it from consideration for festivals and other events. However, we encourage every filmmaker to have fun, and competing for the Viral Award can be an easy way to gain public attention for your work.