Tue 23 Dec 2008

Zoom 09, supported once again by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Film Agency for Wales, will feature 10 different awards, ranging from Best Film age 8 – 13 and 14 – 25; to Best Direction; to the Zoom Audience Award, voted for by you (for full details visit www.zoomcymru.com). The award ceremony promises to be as exciting as ever as we wait to find out who has won the coveted awards.

The success of Zoom 08 has lead to wider programming and a greater selection of screenings, masterclasses and workshops in 2009. Zoom was awarded charity status this year and in partnership with a number of local creative industries and media companies endeavours to provide a diverse programme of events throughout the festival week for local children and teens.

We will be screening the newest Disney’s family comedy "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and tickets are only £1 to the festival screening at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. We will also be holding the Welsh Premier of Justin Edgar’s film "Special People" at Merthyr College.

Actor Ben Davies will be introducing the screening of the film "Clay" and we will be hosting a question and answer session with Ben after the film. Ben Davies, "Clay", says "I'm really looking forward to joining you in Wales for Zoom '09! The project is fresh and appealing and I'm excited about working with the young people involved and hopefully sharing some useful knowledge".

The festival is an opportunity to showcase local talent, budding film makers and celebrate the talented young people that live in South Wales. Lisa Davies, Director of Zoom goes on to says "We are thrilled that the number of entries into the awards is growing year on year. It is vital there are organisations like Zoom dedicated to nurturing the budding new talent out there and we look forward to showcasing as many films as we can at this years festival".

The festival will take place between January 20^th and 23^rd. Zoom 09 will take place at 5 venues across South Wales; Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd; Blackwood Miners Institute, Blackwood; Merthyr College, Merthyr Tydfil; Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale; and Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

END

For more information contact Rebecca Lee on 01443 413 622

NOTES TO EDITOR

Principal funders;

· The Coalfields Regeneration Trust

· Film Agency for Wales

Partners;

Beaufort Theatre and Ballroom; Blackwood Miners Institute; Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council; Caerphilly County Borough Council; Congress Theatre Cwmbran; Cultural Services Take pART Programme (Sponsor of the Zoom Audience Award); Cyfle; Ffresh, Student moving image council Wales; Green Bay; Merthyr Media Project; Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council; Merthyr College; Octopus; Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council; Rhondda Cynon Taff's 14-19 Pathways Programme; Rhondda Cynon Taff Cultural Service's Take pART programme (Sponsor of the Best Director Award); Skillset Screen Academy Wales; Torfaen County Borough Council; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK.

· A PDF of the full festival programme can be downloaded from the Zoom website www.zoomcymru.com

· Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please contact Rebecca for more information.