Calling all young film-makers – entries are now being accepted for the Kent Film Awards which are due to take place this September.

The awards will mark the end of the fifth Swale Film Festival which is again being sponsored by the Sittingbourne News Extra/Messenger.

Movies, including the British-made Ginger and Rosa, will be shown at Blue Town Heritage Centre, Sheerness, The Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne, and Creek Creative, Faversham.

The winner of each awards category will win a trophy, a trip to Pinewood or Shepperton studios, a framed certificate and a piece of camera equipment.

Film-makers can enter individually or in groups and can base their piece on any theme.
There are two age groupings: 10 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 21-year-olds.

A third open competition is available for previously made films up to five minutes long, of any theme, for anyone aged 10 to 21 years.

Age restrictions rise to 25 years old for entrants with special educational needs.

A panel of film-makers will be judging the movies and will base their decisions on script, camera and sound skills, design, make-up, editing and acting.

There will be a presentation evening for shortlisted entries at Creek Creative on Sunday, September 8.

The Swale Film Awards was held in February last year but this time it was decided to change the name to reflect the fact the competition is county-wide.

Organisers have lost one sponsor in Screen South, which is no longer lottery funded, but they are now working closely with the Kent Film Office – part of Kent County Council.

Other supporters are The British Film Institute, Swale council and Amicus Horizon.

Director of the awards, Ken Rowles, said: “We have changed name because it is important that all throughout Kent, students, colleges, youth clubs take an interest.

“I have always said about these awards, it gives young people the opportunity for their work on screen.

“I know they can put it on YouTube, but there’s nothing better than having a large theatre and people seeing it together.”

To apply, or for more information, go to www.kentfilmawards.co.uk - entries must be submitted on DVD with completed application forms to Touch Base Media, Creek Creative, 1 Abbey Street, Faversham, by Monday, August 23.