Cardiff Youth Film “Animated Voices” Nominated for Prestigious Into Film Award
Ten young filmmakers from Cardiff are set to attend the Into Film Awards 2025 in London, following their film, “Animated Voices,” receiving a nomination for Best Animation. The film was created by young people aged 13-14 with diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Nigerian, Pakistani, Egyptian, and Bangladeshi heritage.
Wales Dominates Nominations at Into Film Awards
Wales has secured seven nominations across the 11 categories at the Into Film Awards, marking a record for the country and highlighting the strength of its film industry. This achievement surpasses all other Celtic nations in the UK.
Did You Know? The Into Film Awards celebrate young filmmaking talent across the UK, recognizing creativity and innovation in the film industry.
“Animated Voices” Project details
The “Animated Voices” project was a collaboration between Gritty Realism Productions, Diverse Cymru, and EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team), with support from the welsh Government. The young filmmakers explored their personal experiences of life in the UK through animation.
Participants engaged in workshops covering character design,voicing,lip-syncing,and cut-out animation techniques. They collaborated with creative professionals, including graphic artist Derek Mawudoku, actor Bethan James, scriptwriter mitra Sanei, and animator Gerald Conn. The project culminated in a visit to a post-production studio, offering insights into potential career paths in the animation industry.
Pro tip: Engaging young people in creative projects like filmmaking can foster valuable skills and provide opportunities for self-expression.
Thirteen-year-old filmmakers Aafaq and Haseeb Imran expressed their enthusiasm for the animation sessions and their desire to explore animation further. Yunus RehmanS mother noted that her eleven-year-old son enjoyed making cartoons and visiting the studio,marking his first self-reliant experience and prospect to make new friends.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Animated Voices |
| Participants | Ten young people aged 13-14 from Cardiff |
| Ethnic Backgrounds | Nigerian,Pakistani,Egyptian,Bangladeshi |
| Collaborating Organizations | Gritty Realism Productions,Diverse Cymru,EYST |
| Award Nomination | Best Animation at into Film Awards 2025 |
Star-Studded Event Awaits
The ten young filmmakers will attend the Into Film Awards ceremony at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday,june 24. The event will be hosted by actor, presenter, and author Rose ayling-Ellis MBE. other nominees from Wales include individuals from Merthyr tydfil, Conwy, Gwynedd, and Swansea.
The young filmmakers attending the event are: Haseeb Imran (13), Aafaq Imran (13), Ayman Gani-Mustapha (13), faris Gauvain (14), Alimato Cassama (13), Yunus Rehman (11), Shirin Conn (13), Zara Ahmed (14), Aisha Darboe (13), and Omar Rafi (13).
minister for Culture Praises Young Talent
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, commended the young people’s success, stating that Wales is demonstrating itself as a “powerhouse of young creative talent.” he emphasized Creative Wales’ commitment to building on the momentum of productions like “havoc” and “Mr Burton” to secure a bright future for Welsh filmmaking.
Sargeant added that the remarkable stories these young people are telling represent the next generation of talent who will continue to build Wales’ growing influence in global creative industries.
This recognition follows the success of productions like “Havoc,” a Netflix action thriller filmed entirely in Wales, and “Mr Burton,” produced with support from BBC Wales, Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Creative Wales.
The diversity of Welsh nominees this year is particularly noteworthy, with young filmmakers representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. “Animated Voices” explores the personal experiences of young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Cardiff,while “Mariupol” offers a powerful outlook on the war in Ukraine through the eyes of a displaced individual.
Evergreen Insights: The Importance of Youth Filmmaking
Youth filmmaking initiatives play a crucial role in fostering creativity, developing technical skills, and providing platforms for young people to share their unique perspectives.These projects can empower young individuals, boost their confidence, and open doors to future career opportunities in the film industry and beyond. Supporting youth filmmaking contributes to a more diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Filmmaking
- Why is youth filmmaking notable?
- Youth filmmaking provides young people with a creative outlet, develops valuable skills, and allows them to share their stories and perspectives with the world.
- What skills can young people learn through filmmaking?
- Filmmaking can definitely help young people develop skills in storytelling, teamwork, problem-solving, technical proficiency, and communication.
- How can I support youth filmmaking initiatives?
- You can support youth filmmaking by donating to organizations that run filmmaking programs,volunteering your time,or simply spreading awareness about the importance of youth filmmaking.
- What are the benefits of participating in filmmaking projects for young people from diverse backgrounds?
- Participating in filmmaking projects can empower young people from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a platform to express their unique experiences and perspectives, fostering inclusivity and representation in the film industry.
- How does the Into Film Awards support young filmmakers?
- The Into Film Awards celebrate the achievements of young filmmakers across the UK, providing them with recognition, encouragement, and opportunities to further develop their skills and careers.
What other creative projects are happening in Wales? How can young people get involved in the film industry?
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