town council works with university of Hertfordshire to encourage young people's creativity

Harpenden Town Council has launched a film competition, aimed at under 25 year olds in the town, to encourage and develop creative talent. Working with Howard Berry, Principal Lecturer and Head of Post - Production for Film and Television at the University of Hertfordshire, and Pippa Cawdron from Hertfordshire Film Office, young people in the town are asked to produce a short film titled “What’s important to me?”.

The competition has three age groups: under 13’s, 14 – 18, and 19 – 25 years each being asked to submit a film of no more than five minutes long. Entries are encouraged from both individuals and groups, using their own interpretation of the brief and creative style. It is hoped that entrants will be inspired to produce imaginative film whatever their experience of cinematography. 

The University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Film Office are supporting the event as advisors and judges. The winning films will be premiered at a Grand Ceremony to an audience consisting of local dignitaries, industry supporters, and others, and further prizes on offer for each category. 

The competition is just one of the Town Council’s initiatives which aims to celebrate the town’s thriving local arts and culture businesses, not for profit organisations and charities, whilst supporting local talent and encouraging creativity. It is the Town Council’s objective to offer opportunities for young people in Harpenden; improving health and wellbeing, encouraging exploration of our surroundings, working with others and enjoying a challenge.

Cllr Beth Fisher, Mayor of Harpenden said “"Working with the University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Film Office and the stellar members of the Harpenden Arts & Culture Forum has enabled the Town Council to create this exciting opportunity for young people: kids, teens and young adults. We have created a great opportunity for local young people to get involved and showcase their creativity, imagination and talent to produce original, authentic and engaging work. It would be incredible to receive entries from local schools, community organisations and groups of friends as well as individuals who live, work or go to school in Harpenden. Arts and Culture is so important and the Town Council is focused on supporting this thriving sector. Good luck to everyone who enters!"

Read our press release in full here

Find out more about the competition here