Simon Curtis, acclaimed director of the recent film ‘My Week With Marilyn' and the well-loved TV series ‘Cranford', is to lead the judging of this year's BPF Shorts young people's film competition. Simon and his wife Elizabeth McGovern (currently starring as the Countess in ‘Downton Abbey' and much admired actress of ‘Once Upon A Time In America' and the Oscar winning film ‘Ordinary People') live locally with their children. Last week the couple attended a star-studded state dinner hosted by Barack Obama at the White House, Washington to honour British Prime Minister David Cameron.

First launched last year, the competition was a great success. Actors and local residents Colin Firth and Kevin McNally were hugely supportive and led the judging, which attracted 54 entries from local London schools. See http://vimeo.com/25450077 for highlights.

In association with the Bedford Park Festival the ‘ BPF Shorts ' Film Competition is designed specifically for 12-18 year olds, to encourage and nurture young film makers to make their own short films. Entry is free and filmmakers can enter individually or via their schools.

There is no theme this year, organisers say there is an open brief. “We are looking for imaginative, fresh, innovative storytelling. Films to delight, excite or involve audiences. Whatever story young filmmakers are inspired to tell.”

Films must be between 1-7 minutes long and can be of any genre: fiction, animation, or documentary. Visit www.bpfshorts.co.uk for an entry form and to see the diverse range of last year's commended & winning entries.

There will be an awards ceremony on Saturday June 30th at St. Michaels & All Angel's Church hall London W4, when all the winning films will be screened. Organisers say this will be a great opportunity for young filmmakers to network together and discover the reasons behind the jury's selection . More details of the jury can be found at www.bpfshorts.co.uk.

The deadline for submissions is strictly Friday June 1st 2012, so young filmmakers should get busy with their films this Easter holidays!

March 19, 2012