The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) today launched a competition for Edinburgh school pupils, allowing them the chance to have their work selected for the next Festival in June 2010.
The selected short films, made by individuals, classes and youth groups, will show alongside Premieres from around the world, allowing young local filmmakers to share the bill with the leading British and international filmmakers.
A partnership between EIFF, Pilton Video and City of Edinburgh Council, this project is funded by Awards For All, Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and new EIFF sponsor Bright Grey.
Neil Cameron, Head of PR, Bright Grey, commented: "Bright Grey is delighted to support the 2010 Edinburgh Schools Film Competition and provide the opportunity for school children throughout the capital to try their hand at film making. As an Edinburgh-based business it’s important that we play our part in helping develop talent and hopefully discover film industry stars of the future."
A spokesman from Awards For All said: "Giving people opportunities they otherwise wouldn't have had goes right to the heart of Awards For All. This particular project offers a fantastic chance to get involved with one of the World's best known film festivals, and possibly inspire the filmmakers of tomorrow. All of our successful applicants have one thing in common, they put something back into their communities and we wish all those involved with this project the greatest of success."
CEC Arts & Learning & E Team Staff will provide technical advice and support to local authority schools wishing to submit films to the competition. Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Education Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "What an exciting chance to find out if the future Steven Spielberg or Sofia Coppola is a pupil at one of our schools. There is a wealth of talent out there amongst the young people of this city, and this competition is a unique opportunity for them to shine."
The main deadline for submitting work is Tuesday 30 March for Primary and Secondary schools.
Young people involved in practical filmmaking with Pilton Video will comprise the selection panel for Festival screenings, supported by EIFF programming staff and Pilton Video. Joel Venet, Pilton Video said, " We’re very excited to host in Pilton a unique learning opportunity for a smaller group of school student film-makers who come together to form the selection Jury to view, discuss, learn, and finally programme both Primary and Secondary Screening slots. Hard work for all the young people involved, but the end result will be inspirational for all - children, parents and families."
Many world-class directors, including Shane Meadows, Stephen Soderbergh, Andrea Arnold and David Mackenzie, had their earliest work shown at EIFF, making it the ideal showcase and opportunity for young filmmaking talent.
Hannah McGill, EIFF Artistic Director, said: "Discovery is the lifeblood of this Festival, and this competition is a great two way opportunity: for the young participants to learn their craft, and for us to spot the filmmakers of the future.
"We are delighted to work with the City of Edinburgh Council and Pilton Video on this project along with new sponsor Bright Grey. The support we receive from our sponsors and funders is greatly appreciated and invaluable to the Festival.2
The 2010 Festival takes place 16 - 27 June. The best films by Edinburgh Primary and Secondary pupils will screen on the 17th and 18th June 2010.