A private school has organised a film festival to help youngsters from schools across the island to explore their passion for the silver screen.

Saltus launched the Bermuda Youth Film Festival today and invited pupils aged 11 to 18 to participate.

The school was inspired to start the film festival after Therese Bean, Saltus’ performing arts, film and media teacher, noticed increased interest in the art form when the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to live performances.

Ms Bean said: “One of the most notable changes to education due to the pandemic, has been seeking new ways to showcase student work.

“The reliance on the virtual learning world and the need to film practical performances has meant that an interest in film making or capturing work in digital formats has become far more prevalent.”

Film categories are 60-second sprints, one to three minute short shorts and three to five minute short films.

Entries must include the Bermuda longtail, this year’s “signature item”.

Youngsters can submit films in several categories, but only one in each category.

Applicants will also require a teacher acknowledgement form to ensure that their film meets the requirements of the film festival.

Films must be submitted to the Bermuda Youth Film Festival committee by May 26.

A review by judges drawn from the island’s film industry will be held in the first week of June.

The winners will have their films showcased at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in the same month.

For more information, click here.