Young movie-makers zoom in on advice

(CNS): Forty one entries from local students were submitted to a local film competition’s first round Take 1. Now in its third year the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF)’s Young Image Makers’ contest in conjunction with the Cayman Islands Film Commission (CIFC) stimulated interest from young people who want to make movies. From those submissions a group of 18 were chosen to move on to the next round Take 2 which includes workshop instruction. The youngest image makers aged between 10 and 12 attended a one-day filmmaking workshop with documentary filmmaker Judy Singh of Apex Video Solutions, and Tony Mark of Cathy Church Photo Centre worked with promising filmmakers aged 14 -17.

With over 15 years’ experience working with dramatic and documentary-based theatrical, film and TV projects, Singh was thrilled to have been a part of the Young Image Makers Film Competition since it began in 2010.

“Discovering new ways of capturing and sharing the stories around us with young budding talent is something I truly enjoy,” said the filmmaker. 

An Emmy award-winning film editor, Tony Mark hails from California and has over 20 years experience working on feature films and in television.  He currently teaches the videography and editing classes at Cathy Church and found his first experience with YIM participants to be a rewarding one. 

“The day was a great success; not only [did] the young filmmakers learn about making movies, we all had a great time doing it.  It was a delight to meet everyone and work together on making their films better.  I think we have a few budding Spielbergs on Cayman." 

In each of the workshops, participants’ films were critiqued and suggestions made for improving entries for the final stage.  Young image makers were also able to see each others’ films and ask questions, and each participant was provided with a video basics manual to assist them with their projects. 

Three weeks after the workshops, participants will turn in their final films, which will be posted on www.youtube.com/caymanfilm.  The public has an opportunity to view and vote on the film submissions, beginning March 19 by visiting the site and then emailing cayfest@candw.ky with the name of their favourite film and director.

CNCF Programmes Manager Rita Estevanovich said she was grateful for the support YIM has received each year from the community. 

“We are thankful to have the Cayman Islands Film Commission as the major sponsor for this programme.  They've supported it since its inception, and so far, their financial support has enabled three children to attend New York Film Academy summer movie camps,” she said.

“We plan to send another two students this year, and we truly appreciate the CIFC’s commitment to providing our young artists with opportunities to expand their knowledge base and hone their skills.  We’re also grateful to Apex Video Solutions for volunteering their time and resources annually, and to Cathy Church Photo Center for coming on board so enthusiastically this year to work with our kids. 

“There are many other entities as well as parents and teachers who contribute to YIM’s success each year — thank you all.  Of course, we wouldn’t have a competition without our young image makers, so hats off to them, and we look forward to seeing their final works at the premiere.”

All films will be officially premiered at a red carpet event on April 29 beginning at 6PM at the Harquail Theatre.  The public is welcome to attend the event, which will culminate with the announcement of the winners for the 3rd annual Young Image Makers Short Film Competition.  Winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to the New York Film Academy this summer, courtesy the CIFC. 

The Young Image Makers Short Film Competition is one of the programmes included in Cayfest 2012 — the national festival of the arts.  For more information, visit www.artscayman.org and follow us on Facebook.com/caymanculture.