Filmmakers aged 4-25 from the UK and Ireland are being invited to submit their short films to the AES Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition which honours the best of young filmmaking talent across different categories, from best script to best director.
The judges are looking for imaginative and original short films, from any genre, and the shortlisted and winning entries will be screened in Belfast in the autumn. Entrants have the chance to win filmmaking prizes as well as the accolade of Cinemagic Young Filmmaker of the Year.
This year, energy company AES Northern Ireland are lending their support to the initiative and the competition has a new category ‘we are the energy’ calling for films about renewable energy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and energy and the environment.
Cinemagic is dedicated to supporting and celebrating young talent by showcasing films made by young people, bringing those filmmakers together and giving them opportunities to view new films and participate in filmmaking workshops.
Chris Shaw, Cinemagic Festival Programmer encourages filmmakers to get involved, saying: “The AES Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition offers young people the chance to have their film screened at the festival. The films can be about anything at all, ¬fact or fiction, comedy or drama, news programme or documentary.
“Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or developing your skills in filmmaking, the competition offers a great platform to showcase your work and the opportunity to enjoy the work of other young filmmakers.”
Davy Elliott, AES Northern Ireland, said: “AES is delighted to support the Cinemagic annual Young Filmmaker Competition. Like the film industry, AES has a global reach and a local significance. Engaging with the community and with young people is very important to us.
“The young people of today are the workforce of tomorrow, across both the business and creative industries and working with Cinemagic locally enables the business world to unite with the arts to provide an outlet for young talent. We look forward to developing our partnership with the festival and viewing this year’s films!”
To apply, please visit www.cinemagic.org.uk for entry forms and guidelines. Entry is free. A DVD copy of the film and completed entry form must be sent before the competition deadline. Entries should be sent to CINEMAGIC AES YOUNG FILMMAKER 2014, Chris Shaw, Cinemagic, 49 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL.
The deadline for the main Young Filmmaker Competition is 19th September and the deadline for the ‘we are the energy’ competition category films is 14th November 2014. Email chris@cinemagic.org.uk or telephone 028 90 311 900 for more information.
Cinemagic is funded by Northern Ireland Screen supported by DCAL, funded by Belfast City Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
