The pace is hotting up for this year's BPF Shorts Short Film Competition for children and teens aged 12-18 years. A jury headed by acclaimed director Simon Curtis (best known for his recent feature 'My Week with Marilyn' and TV series Cranford) has been assembled. Now the team at BPF Shorts are beginning to sort through submitted films.

Due to the Jubilee holidays, the deadline for submissions has been extended to Friday June 8th, but entries cannot be accepted after this date. Young filmakers should contact the BPF Shorts team with any queries.

Visit www.bpfshorts.co.uk for an entry form and to find out more about this year's competition and the full jury.

Established 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, films must be between 1-7 minutes long and can be of any genre: fiction, animation, or documentary. Organisers say they are looking for "imaginative, fresh, innovative storytelling. Films to delight, excite or involve audiences. Whatever story young filmmakers are inspired to tell.”

An awards ceremony and screening will be held at 5.30 to 7pm on Saturday June 30th at St. Michaels & All Angel's Church hall London W4. (Tickets sold on the door: £1 for adults, 50p for children). All the winning films will be screened and organisers will discuss their choices. Organisers say: "This will be a great opportunity to network together and discover the reasons behind the jury's selection. There really isn't anything like this opportunity for young teen filmmakers to get together in the London area".

Visit the website to see the range of last year's commended & winning entries - and be inspired!

June 1, 2012