The Young Image Makers (YIM) Short Film Competition takes a step forward, with 12 students making it to ‘Take 2’ of the programme.

“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,” says Patrice Beersingh, the Programmes Manager at the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.

After attending a required YIM filmmaking workshop over the weekend, the following students are now finalising projects for the final leg of the competition: 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 workshop sessions were held for the junior and senior age groups at the Harquail Studio on Saturday, April 30^th, and were 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 were also treated to two surprises at the workshops this year, the first of which was a Skype call from Caymanian artist Josh Pearl, who is currently 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.  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.”

To add to excitement, a new video challenge was offered to each student: submit a ‘Cayman Through My Eyes’ short film for an opportunity to compete for a summer movie camp experience at the New York Film Academy. The ‘Cayman Through My Eyes’ (CTME) Video Challenge is a Department of Tourism programme, which encourages young filmmakers to create a positive short film, one to three minutes in length, about the Cayman Islands. This year, it is a category of Young Image Makers, open only to those who progress to the final round of the Competition. One student will be selected across the two age groups by a panel of industry professionals.

“Every year, students in the Cayman Islands demonstrate their outstanding artistic talents through this competition and I congratulate them for their creative efforts,” said the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris. “I think these young filmmakers are able to showcase Caymanian culture through this event and it is a great way to nurture creativity.” she added.

The public is invited take part in Young Image Makers by voting 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. Overall YIM winners – one from each age group – will be selected by a panel of industry professionals and each will win a trip to the New York Film Academy this summer, courtesy of the Department of Tourism. All winners will be announced at a spectacular red carpet affair and film screening event at the Harquail Theatre on 30 June, kicking off the CayFilm weekend. Visit www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers for more information.

Photo caption: Photo by CNCF

1. Finalists participate in the first YIM workshop
2. Junior finalist Ethan Spencer is excited to learn about filmmaking
3. Filmmaker Josh Pearl shares his advice to the participants, via a Skype interview