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The Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM), founded in 1991 in County
Kilkenny, is an innovative youth film training and production centre. It offers
young people aged 8 to 18 years the opportunity to make their own film productions
to professional standards of excellence. It is the only organisation of its kind
in Ireland or, indeed, Europe. YIFM aim to create within the Irish film industry
something that has never been attempted before - full length motion pictures made
entirely by young people. It is a creative vision that will place young people
at the very centre of the Irish and international film and multi-media process.
To date YIFM has completed 3 television feature films,
one of which 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' was shown on Channel 4 and RTE,
and an American distributor is also interested in broadcasting it. |
YIFM's founders decided that something radical had
to be done about the lack of formal training for under 18's in film and documentary
production. Their solution was to establish a National Youth Film School in Kilkenny.
YIFM targets youths from a range of social backgrounds to participate in highly
innovative training which will serve to strengthen the Irish film industry. The
project is unique across Europe and acts as a model for others to replicate. Having
supported YIFM under the LEADER II Programme, Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development
Ltd. (BNS) was approached to identify if LEADER + could play a role in the proposed
summer school. Following discussions and the application
process BNS provided a substantial capital and training grants to the group. This
enabled YIFM to purchase the necessary professional film production equipment.
Training was provided for the YIFM staff and within the school workshops. The
capital and training grants were instrumental in facilitating the YIFM to establish
a National Film Summer School of the calibre and quality which they had envisaged.
During July and August of 2002 the summer school was run for 22 participants.
Over a 5 week shoot in the Jenkinstown Wood between Kilkenny and Castlecomer the
youngsters made an hour long feature film entitled The Children. Through the assistance
of BNS the YIFM provided a high quality learning experience for teenagers from
across the country together with producing a showcase for emerging film talent.
With the improved resources now in place YIFM is proposing
an outreach initiative called Dreamstuff. This project will be an opportunity
for rural teenagers to develop their appreciation and enjoyment of youth arts
through an introductory course to film and theatre. Courses are presently being
planned for a number of community and arts centres across the county. YIFM are
growing from strength to strength through the dedication, innovation, and creativity
of its members. BNS through the LEADER + Programme has provided key funding which
enabled dreams to become realities, or celluloid at least!!
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