470 film makers crammed themselves into 48 hours of euphoric hell (yep, I coined it). The result was 47 creative short films each conceived by a team of 10 diverse and creative Torontonians. Screenings of all 47 films took place at the Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor St W) and College Cinema (608 College St) this past Wednesday to Friday. The top ten films were screened at Saturday's Gala Night.

Hosted by Dean Armstrong, founder of the Armstrong Acting Studio and five-season veteran of Showcase's Queer As Folk, the award night started off at The Great Hall (1087 Queen St W) with a little mingling.

The top ten films were (in no particular order): Team Scorched - "Dandelion", Team Mango - "100% Wow", room104 - "Thursday", Glitchless - "Invisible", Eh! - "Tango In The Park", Team Light Switch - "Cooling Off", Team Huron - "The Harbour", Mighty Brave - "Chasing Aces", Puny Mammoth - "Lengend in Music - The Burning Spurs", "Exploding Motor Car - "Pointless Gesture"

Honorable mentions went to the top 11-20th films. The Harbour, a story about 'two survivors of a post-apocalyptic world struggle to deal with the meaninglessness of their harsh existence' won Best Cinematography and rightly so. The use of light and shadows was beautifully done and the background for the opening credits would lead you to believe you're awaiting a professional, feature film.

room104's "Thursday", a film about 'our love-stricken hero's obsession with the only connection he has to the woman of his dreams - a kite' held it's own, winning Best Director. But clearly, team Mighty Brave's "Chasing Aces" swept up the night with awards including Best Actress, Best Film, and the Bite TV Award.

Watch out for the next round of the 48 Hour Film Challenge on Saturday October 22nd, 2005 with screening on Saturday, October 29th, 2005. Details to come at www.torontofilmchallenge.com

Congrats to all the brave souls who lived and breathed film making for 48 hot, sweaty, and intense hours during the first Toronto 48 Hour Film Challenge.