The judging panel for the international 48 hour filmmaking challenge, the 2Day Film Challenge, has been announced.
It comprises award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch, acclaimed director Mike Leigh, and IMDb founder and executive chair Col Needham.
The 2Day Film Challenge invites emerging filmmakers from around the world to create short films under tight creative constraints.
The judges will review the top films submitted to the 2Day Film Challenge before selecting the winning entries to be screened and celebrated at a live Gala Screening on Saturday 19 September 2026, at LAMDA’s Sainsbury Theatre in London.
Delivered in partnership between LAMDA, London Film School and RD Studios, the challenge invites aspiring filmmakers of all experience levels to create an original three to five minute short film in just 48 hours.
The official challenge briefs will be released at 7pm BST on Friday 3 July, with participants having until 7pm BST on Sunday 5 July to write, shoot and edit their films.
“Bringing together three leading institutions from across the screen industries, the 2Day Film Challenge has been created to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their creativity, develop new collaborations and gain exposure to industry leaders,” organisers said.
“Unlike traditional film competitions, the challenge is open to participants worldwide and requires no previous professional experience, creating an accessible route into filmmaking for aspiring creatives regardless of background, location or resources.
“The judging panel reflects the challenge’s cross disciplinary ethos.”
Details on the prizes available are listed below.
First Prize
• £3,000 cash prize
• £20,000 worth of production resources from RD Studios
• Fast track access to any London Film School course
Second Prize
• £1,500 worth of equipment hire from VMI
• A place on the London Film School Summer School 2027
Third Prize
• £1,000 worth of equipment hire from VMI
• A place on any London Film School workshop
In addition to the prizes, finalists will gain “valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities through the challenge and gala event”.
