Young film-makers from across the country are nominated for a First Light Award 2010

The annual First Light Awards showcases the creative talents of young people across the UK. It is an inspirational event that celebrates the next generation of British filmmakers. This year’s event will take place at ODEON, Leicester Square, London on the afternoon of Tuesday 2 March.

Young people from across the country, many from disadvantaged and minority ethnic backgrounds, have received nominations for a prestigious *First Light Awar*d for their short digital films and media projects.

Each category is being judged by names such as director/producer Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, American Beauty), Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare In Love), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Good), Kwame Kwei-Armah (Hotel Babylon/Casualty), Maxine Peake (Shameless, Dinner Ladies) and producer Hilary Bevan-Jones (The Boat That Rocked), and the winning films will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony on 2nd March at the ODEON Leicester Square, London.

Hosted by Dick and Dom, the ceremony will be attended by a mix of film industry luminaries and celebrities who will present the awards across a range of categories including Best Animation, Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Comedy and Best Original Music.

This year’s event includes a newly created Open Access Award, in association with BAFTA which will be voted upon by members of the public.

Dick and Dom said: “We’re really looking forward to presenting the First Light Awards in March – it will be a lot of fun; all of the nominated films are fantastic and the awards will be a great celebration for everyone involved.”

FIRST LIGHT provides funding and expertise to enable five to nineteen-year-olds, from all backgrounds throughout the UK, to make their own short digital films and media projects. FIRST LIGHT is supported by the National Lottery, through the UK Film Council and by DCSF.
This year, the organisation will distribute £5.3 million. Since launching in 2001, FIRST LIGHT has funded over 30,000 young people to produce more than 1,000 films and media projects.

Through FIRST LIGHT, young people are given the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and are involved with every aspect of the creative and technical process.

Click here to see the nominations.