PF co-founder, Mark Pressdee was recently invited and flown over to be a judge at the International Youth Film Festival in Langesund, Norway.
"Wow!" is probably the only word to describe the experience and memory of this inaugural film festival aimed at filmmakers aged from 14 – 26.
A truly well thought out youth film festival with a packed schedule of inspirational short films from around the world, combined with an impressive array of industry led workshops, all set in the stunning and historical coastal town of Langesund, this festival definitely has the wow factor.
The dates of the festival also proved a hit with many of the filmmakers seeking an opportunity to combine the holiday season with a festival, with attendees from Sweden, UK, Norway, Germany & Chechnya.
The quality of the programme and short films on offer ranged from drama, documentary and animation. The films were exceptional with new films screening for the first time along with films currently on the festival circuit.
I had seen some of the films at previous festivals in Europe but had never thought about the age of the filmmakers before. It was fantastic to meet and chat to all the filmmakers, who are really passionate and engaged with the process of film-making.
The selected Jury included Sergey V. Aprelev from Russia. Sergey was The President of the Jury and guided us through the difficult task ahead. Sergey is a respected Film Festival Director who has judged at many prominent film festivals around the world. He was technical advisor on the Hollywood Film K19: The Widowmaker and is also a retired Russian Navy Submarine Commander! From Berlin was respected filmmaker Dr. Adama Ulrich, along with Mongolian filmmaker Byambasuren Davaa. Byamabsuren was Oscar nominated for her film The Story of the Weeping Camel.
Mary Kate O Flanagan, a screenwriter and script editor from Ireland provided additional support as a special guest running a succession of excellent training sessions and interactive writing workshops.
Langesund is famous historically for its shipbuilding; it is one of the most important shipping towns in Norway. News of my film, Titanic Love, had reached the festival along with other work I have done in Norway in the past, including two documentaries and a film that involved a trip to the North Pole.
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Just some of the awesome local vista
My job was to compere the whole festival, including the opening gala with the Mayor, introduce the films and Q&A sessions, and present the Awards and Closing Ceremony - busy time indeed.
Credit goes to Film Festival Director Ivonne Salo, originally from Berlin along with her partner Kurt Salo, a Norwegian. Both are acclaimed filmmakers in their own right, who met at a film festival and settled in Langesund to start a family. Ivonne’s dream was to produce a vibrant Youth Film Festival and give something back. Langesund seemed the perfect location.
To conclude organising a film festival is an incredible amount of work, it was exhausting for all the team. History has now been achieved with the community and local stakeholders supporting the development of the festival.
It really did feel like a collaborative process between the young filmmakers, the festival team, guests and jury members. Many connections and friendships were made all round, with young filmmakers leaving inspired.
I have been to many film festivals the past three years in the UK, and overseas, and seeing your own film on the big screen, in front of an audience and getting that festival special vibe is a very special thing. I have the utmost respect to any new film festival looking to achieve this. I am also positive many of these films and the filmmakers will be part of the next generation of exciting talent.
Will I be back next year? You bet! It was a magical week for all involved - great films, great seminars, great weather and an awesome friendly town. My advice is if your film meets the age group and you're looking for inspiration, then
IYYF 2016 is a destination and a festival that will woo you and wow you.
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2016 FESTIVAL.
A photo gallery of the festival can be seen on Mark's
along with two short films on the also @
This article first appeared in The Producers' Forum September 2015 newsletter.
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