A host of First Light films have been accepted into the 2012 CineYouth Festival

Anwylyd & the Donkey, Sticks and Stones, Kharon, Rafal’s Incredible Escape and Young and Polish in London have all been accepted as Official Selections at the Chicago based 2012 CineYouth Festival.

This year’s festival takes place from May 31 – June 2 and is presented by the Chicago International Film Festival.

The CineYouth Festival is the Chicago International Film Festival’s youth film festival, honoring the work of filmmakers 21 years old and younger.Celebrating its eighth year this year, CineYouth Festival screens over 100 films, holds numerous filmmaking workshops, and invites filmmakers from all ages from around the world to come together, share their work, learn from each other and be inspired. CineYouth is held at Columbia College Chicago, home of the biggest film school in the country.

CineYouth is one of very few film festivals in the United States devoted to highlighting and showcasing films made by young filmmakers. With an emphasis on education as well as screenings of officially selected films, CineYouth provides participants with hands-on demonstrations, learning opportunities and networking events. Film submissions come from around the world, from primary school to college age students, from individuals, schools, universities and youth media organizations. Winning films are chosen by the CineYouth Jury, made up of students from various Chicago colleges.