The event is typically held in October each year, principally at the London Public Library's Wolf Performance Hall.
In 2018, FCFF added a special Flashback Friday screening, a celebration of older films with a connection to the region.
The Breakfast Club was screened, followed by a Q&A with special guest and London-native John Kapelos, who played Carl, the janitor in the film.
FCFF 2018 offered 48 films once again, met by a 33% increase in attendees, totaling 2400 audience members in attendance that year.
In 2019, the Forest City Youth Film Festival was introduced, offering a separate competition for high school student filmmakers in Southwestern Ontario.
In 2021, the film festival took on a hybrid model, returning to in-person screenings in downtown London while also continuing to offer nationwide online viewing.
In order to be eligible for the Forest City Film Festival competition, there must be a substantial connection to Southwestern Ontario.
Each year, the Forest City Film Festival invites classes from across Southwestern Ontario to attend weekday matinee screenings.
Historically, the categories of competition are: Live online seminars are offered year-round to member school boards.
The conference invites filmmakers and industry professionals of all experience levels to learn and connect at seminars, panels, networking parties, and other events held both in London, Ontario and online.