Young filmmakers tapped as competition finalists
Documentary filmmaker Judy Singh (right) leads YIM workshop for the finalists
(CNS): The final 12 aspiring filmmakers are moving on to “Take 2” of the Young Image Makers (YIM) Short Film Competition. After attending a required YIM filmmaking workshop over the weekend, the students are finalising projects for the last leg of the competition. Patrice Beersingh, programmes manager at event organiser Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), said, “There have been some very creative entries this year, which I believe will be very impressive to the public when they vote in the YIM People’s Choice.”
“The storylines by the young filmmakers should not be underestimated and even film techniques such as ‘stop motion’ was utilised by one of the youngest competition entrants proving that the youth in Cayman truly have a passion for film.”
The finalists are Abijith Anu, Kaden Brown, Cassidy Connor, Katherine Delgado-Macias, Lovane Douglas, Elijah Ebanks, Lemuel Ebanks, Aiden Powery, Grace Ruby, Ethan Spencer, Dilan Tatum and Isaac Tibbetts.
Separate workshops were held for the junior and senior age groups at the Harquail Studio on Saturday, 30 April, led by documentary filmmaker Judy Singh. Each student had their film screened in front of their peers, after which they received feedback from each other and the instructor, noting the positives of each film and opportunities for improvement.
The discussion also served as a chance to teach the students about various filmmaking techniques. Each participant received a “video basics” manual to assist them in making improvements to their films for the final round of the competition.
The students also took part in a Skype call from Caymanian artist Josh Pearl, who is working in Los Angeles. Credited as the writer, director and editor of the local film A Sav Side Story, among other popular film and music projects, Pearl took time to speak with each of the participants and gave feedback on all of their pieces.
“Watching everyone’s films gave me joy; knowing that there is a generation of youth creating a future for themselves,” Pearl said. “I was amazed by their imagination…nothing is more important than having a vision and making it come alive. I love that Young Image Makers is giving them the tools and encouragement to do just that for themselves.”
Director of Tourism Rosa Harris said of YIM: “Every year, students in the Cayman Islands demonstrate their outstanding artistic talents through this competition and I congratulate them for their creative efforts.
“I think these young filmmakers are able to showcase Caymanian culture through this event and it is a great way to nurture creativity.”
The public can vote online for their favourite films from 16 May-11 June 2016. The young filmmaker with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award, which includes a prize pack sponsored by CayFilm.
A panel of industry professionals will select the overall YIM winners – one from each age group – who will each win a trip to the New York Film Academy this summer, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
For more information on Young Image Makers, go to the CNCF website
Category: Film
