Call for young Berkshire and Oxfordshire filmmakers to enter Children’s Film Festival
YOUNG filmmakers across Oxfordshire and Berkshire are invited to get digitally creative and take part in a Children’s Film Festival competition, as part of Goring and Streatley’s cultural GAP Festival in June this year.
The Children’s Film Festival returns following its success as part of the GAP Festival programme in 2022.
Children and young people of all school ages can take part, either as individuals or groups, by filming and producing their own short films of no more than three minutes.
The films will be shortlisted by a group of industry professionals and shown on screen at a special red carpet premier event on Sunday, June 9 during the GAP Festival.
With categories for primary, secondary and sixth form school ages, entries can be created on any subject matter and will be judged later this spring based on their creative storytelling.
Winning entries, thanks to sponsors Screen Berkshire and The Arts Society Goring, will receive prizes to help continue their filmmaking skills and knowledge.
GAP Festival artistic director Ginny Avery said: “I am incredibly excited for the return of our Children’s Film Festival.
“With free video software now readily accessible on mobile devices, we hope to receive entries from media students, budding young filmmakers and even those that may not have clicked record before.
“In fact, most of our winning entries in 2022 had never made a short film before taking part, so we encourage anyone to take part.”
To get started, two free local workshops are being hosted, focusing on script writing, as well as camera and editing skills. Spaces are limited and can be booked by emailing: film@gapfestival.org
Film entries are open and submissions are free if submitted before the submission deadline of April 9. Shortlisted films will be announced on 14 May.
Full details including terms of entry, timings, and how to submit films are available at www.filmfreeway.com/TheGAPChildrensFilmFestival
Films should be no more than three minutes in total duration including any credits. They can be on any subject matter.
There will be three categories for entries: Best Short Film - Under 12 (UK residents of Oxfordshire & Berkshire only), Best Short Film - Under 18 (UK residents of Oxfordshire & Berkshire only), Best Short Film - Under 18 (Worldwide entries. Local residents can enter their films in this category as well as the above).
There will also be awards for: Emerging Filmmaker Award and Children's Jury Award.
February 10 - Free script writing workshop
March 8 - Early bird submissions
March 23 - Free directing/camera/ editing workshop
April 9 - Regular submission deadline
April 29 - Late submission deadline (late submission fee applies)
May 14- Shortlisted films announced
June 9 - Film Festival Premiere, Goring Village Hall
Film submissions remain free entry for local residents of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, as long as they meet the regular submission deadline.
Parents are allowed to assist but children must do all script writing, filming, editing and any visual effects (VFX) by themselves.
Event times and ticket information for the red carpet premiere will be confirmed closer to the event. Entry or shortlisting of your film does not automatically guarantee you entry into the premiere event and all tickets will need to be purchased.
Visit www.filmfreeway.com/TheGAPChildrensFilmFestival
Children under 16 must have permission from a parent or guardian to enter.