The INDIs (Independent Directions) is the UK's only film competition solely championing and celebrating the talent of the UK's young independent filmmakers aged under 25.

Building on the success of the National Young Filmmakers' Award (which the INDIs replaces) and due to overwhelming demand, the INDIs is aimed at young filmmakers who are making films without major funding or production company support – we are not looking for films made by community groups, school productions or with big organisations; these films are great but are already well celebrated across the UK. We are looking for innovation, a raw talent in filmmaking and clever or engaging storytelling from young people with a DIY approach to making films.

All types of film are accepted: Live action drama, animation, documentary or promo (e.g. music video, skate or promo ads). Films can be of any genre and any length. Budget is not a factor and we are not judging production values, although we believe good editing and sound can be delivered without spending lots of money. You can beg, borrow or buy your equipment and have as much help as you want from your friends and family, just not professional filmmakers.

Shortlisted films will be screened in a day of celebration of young independent filmmaking on Monday 2nd April 2012 during the 13th Leeds Young People's Film Festival, where a panel of moving image makers and industry professionals will be on hand to give advice and feedback to the filmmakers.

Prizes of £150 will be awarded in four age groups:
Upto 10 years old
11 – 14
15 – 19
20 – 25

An overall winner will be selected from each of the four age groups to receive the IAC (Institute of Amateur Cinematographers) Award for the best independent film with a cash prize of £250 towards their next film.

Deadline for submissions is Friday 2nd March 2012

Click here to download the entry form and get more information about the entry criteria.

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LYPFF Call for entries 2012

Leeds Young People's Film Festival is now accepting films for the 13th edition, taking place 26th March - 6th April 2012. We are looking for films of all types - features and shorts, animations and dramas, documentaries and comedies, horror and sci-fi and everything in-between! So if you have a film that is made FOR you people, send it to us now. You can download the entry form and guidelines here.

MediaFish

MediaFish is a cooperative of young people aged 14 - 19 from Leeds that are facilitated by Leeds Young Film. Passionate about film and everything to do with it, MediaFish present the Leeds Young People's Film Festival every Easter. They provide a variety of film screenings, workshops and masterclasses to cater for all age groups and tastes.

MediaFish are also involved in many other projects including filmmaking and representing Leeds at other Young People's Film Festivals, both in the UK and in Europe in order to build relationships with other festivals and select films for Leeds. Members have been asked to speak at a number of conferences across the UK about the work that they do for the Film Festival. Many MediaFish graduates have gone on to study film and media at university and to work at other Film Festivals.

To find out more about MediaFish go to www.mediafish.org or contact martin.grund@leeds.gov.uk

 

 

Leeds Film Academy

Leeds Film Academy in the Town Hall is the home of MediaFish and the venue for Leeds Young People's Film Festival workshops. Originally funded by the Youth Opportunties and Youth Capital Funds, this purpose built space provides a safe place with excellent resources for young people to learn about films and filmmaking. Fully equipped with cameras and filmmaking equipment, computers and digital projection facilities with full Dolby 5.1 sound, this film hub offers great opportunities for budding filmmakers.

We offer a flexible programme of one-of, drop-in or modular activities which can be accredited by Arts Award and which contribute to the Extended Services Offer for children and young people. The programme is run from Film Academy based in Leeds Town Hall. If you are a teacher or you work with young people and want to find out more then please contact martin.grund@leeds.gov.uk for more information.

LYPFF Awards 2011

Winning Films

Young Jury Award (8-14 years)
Winning Feature Film: The Crocodiles Strike Back (Vorstadt krokodile 2), Dir. Christian Ditter, Germany, 2010

Audience Award
Winning Film: Ploddy the Police Car Makes a Splash (Pelle Politibil går i vannet), Dir. Rasmus A. Sivertsen, Norway, 2009

National Young Filmmakers' Award 2011

Under 14 Years
1. Witness, Dir. Alfie Barker (£250 prize winner)

15 - 19 Years
1. Green Roots, Pyrotechnic Vegetables, Dir. Lawrence Vincent (£250 prize winner)

IAC Award for film made without funding
1. Witness, Dir. Alfie Barker (£250 prize winner)

Leeds Young People's Film Festival Internships

Leeds Young People's Film Festival is offering one eight week (production) and one twelve week (marketing) internship to work with the Leeds Film team on 13th Leeds Young People's Film Festival, one of the UK's largest and most interactive film events.

The Film Festival brings the best new and unseen films from around the world to the region's young people, alongside a host of workshops and masterclasses designed to demystify the moving image industry; led by industry professionals; past editions have included animators from Aardman, Harry Potter storyboard artists and actors, Marvel comic artist Adi Granov and authors Louise Rennison, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Charlie Higson.

The internships would involve working across all departments within Leeds Film but with a specific focus on either production or marketing.

Marketing Intern:
23 Jan – 2 March, 3 days per week, then 5 March – 13 April, full time (would consider 4 days)

Production Intern:
20 Feb – 23 March, 3 days per week, 26 March – 6 April, full time, then 9 April – 13 April, 3 days per week

For more information download the job descriptions here
Marketing intern job description
Production intern job description

Desirable skills and experience
While not essential, your application will be strengthened if you have some or all of the following:

Office skills, including computer skills
Working with young people
Awareness of moving image media
Knowledge and use of electronic social media (Marketing only)
Experience of event planning or organisation (Production only)

Experience gained
In return for your hard work, you will gain experience in all aspects of planning and delivering one of the UK's largest film events including:

Experience of working for an internationally known Film Festival
Working with young people in an arts setting
Film programming and exhibition
Project assisting
Marketing, outreach and audience development (Marketing)
PR and press management (Marketing)
Event planning, management and delivery (Production)
Volunteer coordination (Production)

Expenses
The internships are unpaid, however we will support a contribution towards travel and lunch – to be discussed upon appointment.

To Apply
Email your CV and a covering letter to martin.grund@leeds.gov.uk stating whether you are interested in the marketing or production position.

Closing Date
January 6th 2012