By ANNA HARRINGTON
Local up-and-coming filmmakers will get their chance to shine next month at the inaugural Newport Youth Film Festival.
As part of a new addition to the Newport Folk Festival, young aspiring directors have been invited to submit short films for a screening at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute on Sunday 7July.
Event co-director Jade Peace said the concept was born when the Newport Folk and Fiddle Club approached her looking for a way to involve local youth in the annual event.
“We wanted a way for young people to engage in community events, because at the moment the only avenue for that is sport,” Miss Peace said.
“When you’re young, you tend to be very creative … and with all the television young people watch, we thought people might want to be on camera themselves.
“It’s an event we wanted to create to say, ’this is the talent you have’ … and it’s a more fun way for them to contribute to the community.”
The competition will be split into two age-based groups, with entry open to anyone between the ages of 12-24, regardless of filmmaking experience.
Films can be between five and 10 minutes in length, and must incorporate a musical instrument in some way.
Miss Peace said the festival aimed to screen all entries on the day, with a judging panel to present encouragement awards along with prizes for the best films.
For more information and to download a registration form, head to www.facebook.com/newportyouthfilmfestival.