Mon 12 Mar 2007

Young Filmmakers across the South Wales Valleys will be pleased to hear that the long awaited shortlist for the Zoom Young Filmmaker of the Year 2007, sponsored by the Film Agency for Wales, has finally been announced. The competition is running as part of Wales’ International Young People’s Film Festival 2007, a four day festival which will be taking place from the 22^nd to the 25^th March and is set to be jam packed with screenings and media workshops organised by the new charity, Zoom.

The shortlist consists of ten short films which have been split into two age categories, 8-13 and 14-18. The shortlisted films for the 8 -13 age group are:-

‘Johnny Laver and the Crazy Fruits’ by Autar Hussain from the First Light project,

‘Crazy Chicks’ by Ryan Ackerman from the Canolfan Rhys Arts and Education Centre, ‘Alien Antix’ by Year 5 at Machynlleth Primary School,

‘Don’t Let me Go’ by the children at Valleys Kids, and

‘Dream Guy’ by the children at Monmouth Film School.

The shortlisted Films for those over the age of 14 are:-

‘Wild West’ by Simon Lea from the filmmaking project Film 15,

‘Mission Impossible Bike Ride’ by the young people at Valleys Kids,

‘Youth in Focus’ by Jim Price and Martin Boaler,

‘Xpress’ by Tom Cooke and Abby Charles and

‘Playing Second’ by Matthew Palmer and Allyn Jones.

Maggie Russell, Chairperson for the Zoom Board who helped create the shortlist, explains,

"I’m thrilled with the enthusiasm the Zoom Young Filmmaker of the Year Award 2007 has stirred among young Welsh filmmakers. We were inundated with entries from all across Wales and whittling them down was very difficult as each film demonstrated positive qualities – whether these were innovative stories, cinematic talent or creative ideas. This competition proves just how talented and media literate young people can be these days and I think it underlines the importance of a venture such as Zoom which works to nurture and promote this among youngsters."

The Zoom Grand Jury are meeting next week to decide who the winners of each age category are and these will be announced in a special Awards Ceremony at the Bridgend Odeon at 7.30pm on Sunday 25^th March when there’ll be a chance to see all ten of the shortlisted films. Each winner will receive a cash prize of £100 and the chance to discuss further film ideas with the Film Agency for Wales’ Head of Talent.

Tickets to the Awards Ceremony are available now and cost £1 each and this includes an invite to the Zoom After Party which will be held at the Heronston Hotel, Bridgend after the ceremony. There will also be a chance to see the Doctor Who Tardis which will be at the venue all day so book your tickets now!

ENDS

Editors: For more information please contact Sian Harries on 029 2046 1166 or sian@zoomcymru.com