24-HOUR FILM LAB FOR

YOUNG FILMMAKERS

 

ODESA IFF 24-HOUR CHALLENGE 

Rules and Regulations

August 28–29, 2026  •  Kyiv, Ukraine

 

1. OVERVIEW

The 24-Hour Film Challenge for Young Filmmakers is an intensive, fast-paced lab designed for emerging filmmakers to practice and sharpen their craft in a fun, collaborative environment. Stripped down to the bare essentials — no equipment, no props, just raw creativity — participants will develop, produce, and present short films guided by the mentorship of established mentors. Set in an international context, the challenge pushes young filmmakers to return to the fundamentals of storytelling and discover what they’re truly capable of when the clock is ticking.

 

2. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPANTS

2.1The workshop is open to directing and acting students and graduates of theater and film schools, aged 18–25, as well as early-career film professionals.

2.2A total of 4 directors and 20 actors will be selected to participate.

2.3Participation is granted through an open application process. Supervisors reserve the right to select participants based on submitted materials.

2.4All selected participants will be granted an OIFF industry badge, as well as invitations to the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival.

 

3. APPLICATION AND CASTING PROCESS

3.1All applicants must submit a short self-presentation video (no longer than 2 minutes) including a brief personal introduction, relevant background, and motivation for participating.

3.2Applications must also include supporting materials such as photographs, a portfolio, a CV, or any relevant work samples.

3.3Applications will be reviewed by the supervising casting directors, who will select participants based on the quality and suitability of submitted materials.

3.4Applications must be submitted no later than June 15th 2026. All applicants will be notified of the selection decision by mid-July. Selected participants will receive onboarding information, including details of the obligatory online Zoom session and pre-workshop preparation tasks.

3.5By submitting an application, participants confirm they meet the eligibility requirements and agree to abide by these rules and regulations.

 

Application deadline:  June 15th 2026

Notification by:  Mid-July 2026

Workshop dates:  August 28–29, 2026

Location:  Kyiv, Ukraine

 

 

4. GROUP STRUCTURE

4.1Participants will be organized into groups of up to 5 actors. A maximum of 4 groups will take part in the workshop.

4.2Each group will be supervised by one casting director.

4.3Each group will include one director, who will be responsible for the directorial vision of the group’s film.

4.4Groups will be assigned by the organizing supervisors prior to the workshop. Participants may express preferences but final group composition is at the discretion of the organizers.

 

5. WORKSHOP THEME

5.1All films must be created in response to the official theme: “A Whole Long Day Ahead.”

5.2The theme invites exploration of how history influences human relationships, and the mechanisms of love, destruction, decay, and resilience. Films should reflect on how a day begins, unfolds, and ends — and on what it means to remain human throughout.

5.3Interpretations of the theme are open and creative. Groups are encouraged to develop their own artistic approach in response to the theme.

 

6. PRE-WORKSHOP PREPARATION (ONLINE)

6.1To make best use of the in-person workshop days, groups are expected to complete preparatory tasks online before arriving.

6.2All selected participants are required to attend one obligatory online introductory session prior to the workshop. The date and time of this session will be communicated to all participants upon acceptance. Attendance is mandatory; failure to attend without prior notification to the organizers may result in withdrawal of the participant’s place.

6.3Additional pre-workshop activities include: getting to know group members, beginning script development, discussing character and casting ideas, and coordinating logistics.

6.4Participants are expected to communicate actively and constructively with their group during the online preparation phase.

6.5Each group should arrive at the workshop with a working draft of their script and a clear plan for filming.

 

7. DAY 1 — PRODUCTION DAY (AUGUST 28)

7.1The workshop takes place on August 28–29, 2026 in Kyiv. All selected participants are required to be present in Kyiv for the full duration of both days. Day 1 (August 28) is dedicated to final script preparation, shooting, and editing.

7.2Each group is responsible for: finalizing their script, casting roles within the group, preparing their own costumes and props, scouting and confirming their filming location, shooting the film, and completing a basic edit.

7.3Films must not exceed 2 minutes in total running time.

7.4Films must be shot on a smartphone or amateur digital camera. No professional film equipment is permitted.

7.5Filming will take place on location in Kyiv. Approved locations include outdoor public spaces, theaters, cinemas, private apartments, or historically significant settings. All location use must comply with applicable laws and the rights of private property owners.

7.6Participants must ensure they have permission to film at any private or restricted location.

7.7Groups must submit their completed, edited film by the deadline specified by the organizers.

 

8. DAY 2 — PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION DAY (AUGUST 29)

8.1Day 2 (August 29) is dedicated to the collective screening and discussion of all films produced during the workshop.

8.2All groups are required to present their film to the full workshop cohort.

8.3Following each screening, a structured discussion will take place covering: the casting choices, the script and storytelling approach.

8.4All participants — actors, directors, and supervisors — are expected to contribute to the discussions in a respectful and constructive manner.

8.5Feedback should be professional, honest, and supportive of each group’s creative process.

 

9. LANGUAGE

9.1The working language of the workshop is English.

9.2Films may be produced in English or Ukrainian (or a combination), provided the intended meaning is clear to all participants during discussion.

 

10. FILM REQUIREMENTS

10.1Maximum duration: 2 minutes.

10.2Equipment: smartphone or amateur digital camera only.

10.3The film must be an original work created during the workshop, responding to the theme “A Whole Long Day Ahead.”

10.4All content must be appropriate and respectful. Films must not contain material that is offensive, discriminatory, or harmful.

10.5Participants must ensure that all individuals appearing in the film have provided their consent to be filmed and for the footage to be screened during the workshop.

 

11. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

11.1All participants are expected to treat fellow participants, supervisors, and organizers with respect and professionalism at all times.

11.2Discriminatory, harassing, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the workshop.

11.3Participants must arrive on time for all scheduled activities on both days.

11.4Participants must follow the instructions of their supervising casting director and the workshop organizers.

 

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

12.1All creative work produced during the workshop — including scripts, films, and related materials — remains the intellectual property of the participants who created it.

12.2By participating in the workshop, participants grant the organizers a non-exclusive right to screen the films during the workshop presentation day and to use clips or stills from the films for promotional or educational purposes related to the workshop, with appropriate credit.

 

13. PRIVACY AND IMAGE RIGHTS

13.1The organizers may photograph or film workshop activities for documentation and promotional purposes.

13.2By participating, participants consent to being photographed or filmed during workshop activities, unless they formally opt out in writing before the workshop begins.

 

14. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE

14.1Participants are responsible for their own physical safety during filming, especially when shooting on location in the city.

14.2Filming in unsafe locations or in ways that could endanger participants or members of the public is strictly prohibited.

14.3In the event of an emergency, participants should contact local emergency services immediately and notify the workshop organizers as soon as possible.

 

⚠️  WARTIME SAFETY — KYIV (AUGUST 2026)

The workshop takes place in Kyiv during an active period of armed conflict. All participants must be aware of and comply with the following safety rules at all times.

14.5.1  Air Raid Alerts:  Upon hearing an air raid siren or receiving an alert via the official Kyiv air raid warning app, all filming and workshop activities must cease immediately and all participants must proceed to the nearest designated shelter without delay.

14.5.2  Curfew:  Participants must comply with any curfew orders in effect in Kyiv at the time of the workshop. No filming or travel is permitted during curfew hours. The organizers will communicate current curfew hours prior to and during the event.

14.5.3  Filming Restrictions:  Participants must not film military infrastructure, checkpoints, damaged buildings, or any subject that may be restricted under Ukrainian martial law. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring their filming complies with applicable wartime regulations.

14.5.4  Organizer Authority:  The organizers reserve the right to suspend, relocate, or cancel any workshop activity at any time in the interest of participant safety. Participants must follow all safety instructions issued by the organizers without question or delay.

 

15. COMPLIANCE

15.1All participants must comply with applicable Ukrainian laws and regulations during the workshop, including those relating to filming in public spaces.

15.2The organizers reserve the right to amend these rules and regulations at any time. Participants will be notified of any changes in advance.

15.3The organizers reserve the right to remove any participant from the workshop who violates these rules, without compensation or further obligation.

15.4By participating in the workshop, each participant confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these rules and regulations.