TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge Set for 2/8-9; Registration to Open 1/15

Toronto -- 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, from 10:00 am Saturday, February 8 to 10:00 am Sunday, February 9, 2014. All films meeting the competition criteria screen Sunday, February 16, 2014 as part of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. Team members should be between 14-18 years old and registration opens January 15, 2014.

The Challenge will kick off on the morning of February 8, 2014 at 9:00 am, when 20 teams gather for breakfast, provided by RBC Royal Bank, and receive their TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge theme and toolkit. 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.

"RBC has partnered with TIFF for years, and it's initiatives like TIFF Next Wave that make us the most proud," said Jennifer Tory, RBC regional president for Greater Toronto. "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. Upon check-in on February 8, 2014, teams 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 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, 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 TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film 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.

About RBC and the Arts: RBC sponsors a wide-range of Grassroots and local initiatives that contribute to the cultural fabric of our communities. Proud to support events and passions that resonate with our clients, RBC provides opportunities for up-and-coming artists through programs such as the RBC Canadian Painting Competition and the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition, part of our commitment to the world's top public film festival - the Toronto International Film Festival. As one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization, RBC employs approximately 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 44 other countries. For more information, visit rbc.com.
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About TIFF Next Wave Film Festival: The third annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival takes place from February 14 to 16, 2014. Steered by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, a voluntary advisory team made up of 12 youth from 15 to 18 years old, the festival brings the best in film from around the globe to youth across the city, along with an exciting slate of special guests, a Talent Lab with interactive workshops, a 24-Hour Film Challenge, and the Battle of the Scores on Opening Night. Select screenings are free for high-school students. RBC is the Presenting Sponsor of the TIFF Next Wave 24-Hour Film Challenge, the TIFF Next Wave Talent Lab, Battle of the Scores and TIFF Next Wave Opening Night. The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival is supported by Presenting Partner the Department of Canadian Heritage and Major Supporters the City of Toronto and the Ontario Arts Council. The TIFF Next Wave Committee is supported by The Slaight Family Foundation Learning Fund. For more information, visit tiff.net/nextwave.