For the first time Just Film, a sub-festival of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, opens international submissions for young filmmakers. Young people worldwide can submit their films to the #youngfilmmaker competition programme. A unique opportunity!
The #youngfilmmaker programme was introduced in 2021 with the aim to bring short films made by Estonian youngsters to the big screen. In parallel, a scholarship competition was launched to financially support creative ideas. Last year brought massive success with 13 films being shown in sold out screenings.
This year Just Film opens the door to all young film enthusiasts around the world aged 7-19 years, who wish to attend the biggest film festival in Northern Europe. The submissions for the youth short films are open from 1 March 2023. “Just Film is a global meeting place for young filmmakers,” says programme director Mikk Granström. “You always have to dream and think big. Thus, we are entering the #youngfilmmaker programme to the big, international arena, so all school children from around the world can apply to an A-category youth festival.” There are no restrictions to the choice of genre. However, the minimum requirement for the submitted films is their international premiere. All the films will be evaluated by the Just Film programme team, and will compete against the scholarship recipients and the best of the local festival winners. Last year the #youngfilmmaker Grand Prize was presented during the official BNFF award ceremony.
In addition to this extraordinary opportunity, the youngsters selected to the programme will gain access to the biggest film industry gathering in the region – Industry@Tallinn. Starting this year, Just Film’s own Industry programme will commence, including a special networking and workshop event designed specifically with young filmmakers in mind.
More info about Just Film (3-19 November) can be found here.