The contests

The Reel Voices of Bermuda's Youth

The Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF), in conjunction with Imagine Bermuda, will celebrate the United Nation's (UN) International Year of Youth with a film showcase called "The Reel Voices of Bermuda's Youth" that encourages Bermuda's youth to let their voices be heard.

What is it?

BIFF and Imagine Bermuda are asking young people in Bermuda between the ages of 15 and 24 to create a personal short film, no more than two minutes in length, which answers the question "If someone was really listening, what would you say about being a youth in Bermuda?"

How do I participate?

Films can be shot in any way - on camera phones, Flip cameras, camcorders, laptops, iPads, etc. - and all are accepted for this non-competitive showcase.

The videos can be submitted on DVD to the BIFF office (Somers Building, first floor, 15 Front Street, Hamilton HM11) or you can send an email to programming@biff.bm with a link to an online platform such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Make sure to label in some way "The Reel Voices of Bermuda's Youth." Each entry should be accompanied by the details of the contact person's name and phone number. Deadline for entries is March 1, 2011.

What if I don't have a camera?

For those looking for a way to tell their story, Chewstick Foundation will have their video camera running on Saturday, 12 February 2011 from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Drop by and be heard and recorded. Chewstick is located on the corner of Court Street and Elliott Street.

The result?

The aim is to screen a selection of these films during the Bermuda International Film Festival scheduled for 18-24 March and post all of them on BIFF's new website. BIFF and Imagine Bermuda are pleased to partner with Joanne Burgess-Ball of Bermuda National Gallery, Robyn DeSilva of Masterworks, Gavin Smith of Chewstick Foundation and Julie Hastings-Smith of Bermuda Society of Arts on this project. They will review the submitted films and decide the selection screened during the March festival, if we are unable to accommodate all.

For any questions, email info@biff.bm or call 293-3456. For Chewstick details contact info@chewstick.com.