Young people aged between 13 and 19 are being invited to enter their films into the First Light Awards 2010.

For the first time, the First Light Awards will welcome short film submissions from young independent filmmakers. The Open Access Award in association with BAFTA is a newly created category that will give young people from across the UK the opportunity to have their film viewed by a panel of BAFTA judges, and have the chance of winning a prestigious First Light Award, presented to them during the star-studded ceremony in March!

Short films of any theme or genre (e.g. drama, action, horror, sci-fi, comedy, animation etc) can be entered into the competition, provided that they have a maximum running time of two minutes (including opening titles and end credits).

The films will be shortlisted by BAFTA members and three best entries will be seen on the First Light website – www.firstlightonline.co.uk – at the end of February. The competition will then be opened up to the general public, which will be asked to vote for its favourite film.

All three shortlisted filmmakers will be invited to attend the First Light Awards which will take place on 2nd March 2010 at The Odeon, Leicester Square, London, where the winner of the competition will be called to the podium to be presented with their prestigious First Light Award!

Amanda Berry, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said “We are thrilled to be working with First Light and supporting such an inspirational Award, which will give young people a voice and a chance to express their creativity.”

Leigh Thomas, CEO of First Light, commented “First Light is delighted to be collaborating with BAFTA this year on our Open Access Award. The association provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their films seen by a BAFTA jury and by the voting public. The First Light Awards are the biggest celebration of young creativity in the UK and with this new category we can celebrate the next generation of young filmmakers.”

Entrants should submit 2 DVD copies of their film and send it to First Light along with their completed entry form by 12 noon on Friday 29 January 2010. Further details of how to enter the competition can be found on the First Light website at www.firstlightonline.co.uk.

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For further information, please contact:

Angela Hughes, Communications Manager
T: 0121 224 7511
E: [email protected]
W: www.firstlightonline.co.uk