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, 19th September 2026, at LAMDA’s Sainsbury Theatre in London.
Delivered in partnership between LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art), 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 2026, with participants having until 7pm BST on Sunday 5 July 2026 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.
Mike Leigh credit Cristian Solimeno
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.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Academy Award nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation with an array of emotionally searing and complex roles defining his body of work.
London Film School alumnus Mike Leigh is widely regarded as one of British cinema’s most influential filmmakers, known for his unique approach to storytelling and unrivalled body of work.
IMDb founder and executive chair, Col Needham has played a pivotal role over the last 25 years in shaping global access to film and television information. He continues to be a leading voice in digital screen culture and the world of film festivals.
Prizes and Opportunities
All finalists are invited to attend the 2Day Film Challenge Gala Screening, which will be held at LAMDA’s Sainsbury Theatre in London on Saturday, September 19th, 2026. During this event, the winning films will be announced, and finalists will have the opportunity to meet other filmmakers, industry professionals, and challenge judges.
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.
Industry Leaders Backing Emerging Talent
Ryan Dean, founder and CEO, RD Studios
“When I started my career, I remember there being so many great filmmaking competitions I could take part in. Not only did they give me a chance to find my own narrative voice, they also allowed me to experiment creatively and, most importantly, meet new collaborators.
For many reasons, those opportunities seem to have disappeared, and we wanted to do our bit to help bring them back. The 2Day Film Challenge is about giving aspiring filmmakers a platform to create, connect and be seen. We are incredibly excited to see the stories that emerge and to discover the next generation of talent.”
Chris Auty, director, London Film School
“London Film School is thrilled to be part of the 2Day Film Challenge and to reach out to the next generation of fresh talent.
This competition promises to be an exciting showcase for emerging filmmakers, offering audiences the chance to experience fresh new stories and bold perspectives. We are looking forward to seeing the creativity, ambition and originality that this unique competition inspires.”
Gary Pillai, head of screen graduate projects & digital assets, LAMDA
“LAMDA has a long history of championing access and opportunity for global talent, and we are proud to be part of the 2Day Film Challenge in collaboration with London Film School and RD Studios.
This challenge creates a space for emerging creatives from across the world to share stories that may not otherwise have the opportunity to be seen or celebrated, while fostering collaboration between actors, writers, directors and filmmakers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
We are looking forward to bringing together diverse voices and perspectives through a creative process that reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, artistic innovation and expanding pathways into the film industry for the next generation of talent.”
Registration Information
Registration for the 2Day Film Challenge is now open.
For full challenge details, rules and registration information, visit:
@2dayfilmchallenge
