Diesel Film Racing Tour is challenging teams from 18 North American cities to prove they can write, shoot, and edit a short film under very tight constraints.

The first Vancouver Film Race will kick off at 10 p.m. on June 20 and wave the checkered flag 24 hours later. All films will publicly premiere on June 25 at the Ridge Theatre, where audience members will vote for the best ones which will advance to the North American finals for a shot at a total of $35,000 in cash prizes.

On the line with the Straight, local producer and Vancouver Film Race 2008 organizer Paul Armstrong explained that each 10-person team will have to incorporate a last-minute inspiration package that will include an action and a theme into its film.

“I think it’s a way of getting recognized as well as a way of practicing one’s craft,” Armstrong said. He also noted that the competition will likely include both established filmmakers and newcomers.

Teams must register by June 18. Visit www.filmracing.com/cities/vancouver.htm for more information.