CALL FOR ENTRIES: National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) 20213 min read

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The 7th edition of the National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) opens for submission today. Organised by *SCAPE, a non-profit organisation, NYFA is one of *SCAPE’s longest running apex programme that provides a platform to empower young, aspiring filmmakers in their pursuit of filmmaking.

Themed ‘New Dawn, New Beginnings’, NYFA 2021 will explore the evolving film industry and prepare youths for post-Covid-19 recovery. The annual award is supported by the National Youth Council and Objectifs.

For full details and submission of entries, visit the official website here.

This year’s winners can expect cash and attractive prizes worth an estimated total of $70,000 including:
– $1,000 cash each
– Post-production packages with Mocha Chai Laboratories
– SONY Alpha 7S III and Alpha 6600M camera
– Cathay Photo accessories vouchers
– Deity Microphones
– Red Giant Complete one year subscription
– The Actors’ Society one year membership
– And many more

New extensions and programmes like never before

As Singapore’s only platform that is catered to youth filmmakers, NYFA is more than just giving accolades. Over the last seven years, NYFA has recognised nearly 800 youth filmmakers. NYFA has also provided commissioned jobs through partners, distribution opportunities, and regional exposure with SeaShorts Film Festival and Cartoons Underground.

NYFA as a platform also continues to bring together the local filmmaking community. As part of its annual series, NYFA will be hosting its Conference in April 2021 to discuss how young filmmakers should prepare for a post-Covid world. The Conference will be exploring the latest trends and required skills that all filmmakers will need for the new norm.

Past NYFA alumni will also be joining the Conference as panellists. NYFA 2020’s Best Live Action – Open Youth category winner, Tan Si En, will be conducting a workshop to share about her experiences in the film industry thus far and discuss how youth filmmakers can leverage on NYFA to market their own films internationally.

The Conference will also showcase NYFA’s latest extension programme, the Film Facilitation Fund. Conceptualised by 2020 NYFA Youth Inspiration Award winner, Huang Junxiang, the Film Facilitation Fund paired five internationally renowned filmmakers with selected NYFA alumni mentees to produce a genre short film each. Mentors include Daniel Jeannette, Animation Director of 2006 film Happy Feet, as well as, Mike Wiluan, Director of Buffalo Boys.

“It has never been more important to strengthen the support for our youths today,” said Ivy Lim, Executive Director of *SCAPE. “The return of NYFA 2021demonstrates our commitment to nurture and empower youths in the pursuit of their dreams.”

Equal opportunity and rewards for youths

NYFA 2021 will accept submissions under Student and Open Youth categories. Participants must be between 15 to 35-years-old to submit their Animation, Live Action and Documentary films.

Up to 60 films will be shortlisted and each of these films will qualify for award titles such as Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Original Music, and more.

The full list of awards are:

Student:
– Best Sound Design
– Best Art Direction
– Best Editing
– Best Screenplay
– Best Cinematography
– Best Director
– Best Original Music
– Best Documentary
– Best Animation
– Best Live Action

Open Youth:
– Best Sound Design
– Best Art Direction
– Best Editing
– Best Screenplay
– Best Cinematography
– Best Director
– Best Original Music
– Best Documentary
– Best Animation
– Best Live Action

Student & Open Youth
– Best Actor
– Best Actress

Special Award
– NYFA Youth Inspiration Award