Film London is pleased to announce that a total of 22 boroughs across the capital will be involved in this year's London Borough Film Fund Challenge (LBFFC). The fifth edition of the short film-making competition was launched today by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Film London - giving local talent an opportunity to shine.

Open to residents of the participating boroughs, the LBFFC offers up to £4,000 towards the production of a short film. In partnership with Skillset, Film London provides £50,000 of financial support plus dedicated advice and resources while each participating borough runs and contributes towards the financing of its fund. The scheme will be available to residents in Barking and Dagenham, Enfield, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Redbridge, Southwark, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth.

Also returning for 2010 is Film London in 90 Seconds, last year's successful addition to the borough film funding initiative, which challenges locals to submit 90 second films about their borough shot on anything from a mobile phone to the latest professional camera. Awards of £500 are available - up from £300 in the last round - and submissions will open in the autumn. Film-makers living or working in one of the participating boroughs, which are Barnet, Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hillingdon, Islington, Merton, Newham, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton and Tower Hamlets, can apply.

Since launching in 2006 the LBFFC has funded over 120 short films producing work which has been selected for international festivals and won numerous and prestigious awards. Many of the film-makers have gone on to make more ambitious projects, found work in the production industry or continued their training at some of the world's best film schools. All participants also have the opportunity to compete in the Best of Boroughs - where films are showcased to industry guests and prizes of up to £2,000 are up for grabs.

Further details about the scheme, including links to the online application form, can be found on the Borough Film Funds page. Sign up to our weekly newsletter to keep up to date with LBFFC news, including the opening date for Film London in 90 Seconds.

Read more in the full press release.