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Youth Diversity Film Fest Seeks Entries From Filmmakers Ages 9-18

 

While some teens and pre-teens may be a bit bored staying home so much these days, we’re willing to bet there are at least a few aspiring directors from all backgrounds who have used at least a bit of their lockdown time to create short films.  If you have or know any such ambitious young filmmakers, here’s a great chance to show off their work – the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center’s 11th Annual Youth Diversity Film Festival, which is seeking submissions now through December 31.

Thanks to COVID-19, the festival has moved online this year, and chosen films will screen at BHERC.TV on January 16 and 17, 2021.  The festival will also include special discussion panels with industry professionals.

As usual, this year’s Youth Diversity Film Festival follows BHERC’s 26th annual month-long African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase, which was also presented online this year in October and November, with more than 6,700 attendees from across the globe.

“With such a great response to our large festival,” said festival director Billie J. Green in a recent press release, “We wanted to continue our commitment to our youth by providing a distinct opportunity for them to shine and amplify their work.”

When it debuts digitally in January, the Youth Diversity Film Festival will present more than 50 short films by Middle and High School students, who will also be introduced to top professionals such as directors, editors, animators, and script writers through the festival’s panel discussions and Q&A sessions.  Sessions will include topics such as “How Sound and Music Supports Story Telling,” and “Animators On Animating,” and will be open to all young people interested in filmmaking and visual storytelling.

Overall, says the BHERC, the festival gives young filmmakers “a chance to showcase their skills, talent and vision,” and the audience an opportunity to “view and discuss the artistry, passion and sacrifice involved in the independent film making process.”

Kids who would like to submit a film to the festival can download and complete the online entry form at https://bherc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Youth-Film-Festival-Submission-Form-2021-Final.pdf

To qualify, entrants must:

· Be age 9 to 18
· Submit a short film between 1 and 60 minutes in length via http://bherc.wetransfer.com
· Include a list of production crew and cast, production photos, marketing materials, and any reviews of the film
· Include production photos
· Include any marketing materials and/or reviews of your project

There is no school or location requirement (entrants from around the globe are welcome), and the submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2020.

For more information about the festival and film submissions, contact festival director Green at [email protected] or (323) 732-6275. For more information about BHERC and its programs see BHERC.org, or contact [email protected] or (310) 284-3170.  You can also subscribe to BHERC.TV to view “narrative and documentary short and feature films about the African American experience, as well as content from across the diaspora and diverse populations.”

Tickets to the online Youth Diversity Film Festival will be available via the BHERC website after January 1.

 

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Elizabeth Fuller
Elizabeth Fuller
Elizabeth Fuller was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN but has lived in LA since 1991 - with deep roots in both the Sycamore Square and West Adams Heights-Sugar Hill neighborhoods. She spent 10 years with the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, volunteers at Wilshire Crest Elementary School, and has been writing for the Buzz since 2015.

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