Competition launched for young filmmakers

An open call has been launched for film submissions to the 1st Young Filmmakers Competition 2021.

The competition titled What would you change about the world? is addressed to young people who wish to cinematically capture their dreams and concerns for a fairer and more sustainable world. By exploiting the capacities of cinema and of animation, the participants will have a unique opportunity to take part in the Young Filmmakers Competition, which is organised for the first time this year and aspires to be held annually.

The competition, organised by International Cyprus Film Days for Children and Youth and the Junior Edition of Animafest Cyprus, is addressed to students aged between 12 and 18 who are invited to make their own short film of up to three minutes. The competition is open to high school students, or groups of students who have the right to submit up to one film, accompanied by a short statement describing their idea/concept. The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2021. For more information visit www.animafest.com.cy and www.cyprusfilmdays.com

Films of all genres, from documentary to animation can be submitted. Emphasis will be given to the selection of music and sound.

“The pandemic does not only constitute a serious health crisis,” says the organising team, “but also an environmental one. It is the result of our dominance over other living organisms, of the destruction of ecosystems and modern lifestyle, which is incompatible with the balance of nature. For this reason, the competition offers the opportunity to students, with the collaboration of teachers and parents, to creatively capture their thoughts and concerns about the effects of the pandemic on themselves, on humanity and the planet. The message we wish to communicate is that the planet’s health is intrinsically connected to ours. Each and every one of us must be and must represent change.”

To inspire the participants, the organisers suggest the following thematic areas: a) We are not alone on this planet. How can we change life from now on? b) In 2020, nature took a breath from human activity. How can we avoid returning to the old ‘normal’, which led to climate breakdown? c) The pandemic has unveiled the world’s social inequalities. Public health is absolutely essential for all. d) The risk of using substances during the pandemic. How can the social environment support people who are vulnerable to addiction, in time of social distancing? e) Friendship, love and entertainment in time of lockdown. f) Our responsibility towards our loved ones, and the fear of social isolation. g) Our relationship with the elderly and the need to help socially marginalised people.

Overall, the Competition will grant 12 Young Filmmakers Awards, six in each age group (12-14 & 15-18) the three best ‘Animation Films’ and ‘Live Action Films’. In the 12-14 age group, a monetary prize will be awarded, whereas in the 15-18 group, six scholarships will be offered for studies at the University of Nicosia, in the study programmes BA in Digital Communications and Mass Media & BA in Applied Multimedia. The event is also supported by the Directors Guild of Cyprus, which sponsors the first (monetary) prize in the 15-18 age group.

For more information: www.animafest.com.cy www.cyprusfilmdays.com, [email protected] [email protected]