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Sheffield Doc/Fest Youth Jury 2012
Since 2007 Doc/Fest has run the Youth Jury, when we invite five talented 16-21 year olds to take part in a rare opportunity to get involved in the docuemntary industry.
Among other tasks, the youth jury view five specially selected docs from the programme and award the film that best appeals to youth audiences the youth jury prize during the festival.
But first, to find our five jurors, Doc/fest reaches out to universities, film schools, youth groups, cinema clubs and our own Doc/Fest networks early in the year, inviting young people to share their passion for documentary.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have experience in the industry or be filmmakers. We value enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to work as a team to decide the winning film. Potential jurors complete a short application form, and from there applicats are interviewed in person.
The brightest and best are then invited to participate on the doc/fest Youth Jury Hothouse here in Sheffield, that runs just before the festival. During 3 intensive days, the jury view a selection of films, meet their favourite industry professionals like Michael Palin and dive head first into the world of documentary, learning skills to critically asses documentary film and to get inside knowledge on how the industry works.
They return with full access to the festival attending sessions, masterclasses networking events and writing blogs and vlogs for the Doc/fest website. But most importantly, they attend to view their nominated films in a festival atmosphere and award one the prize at the award ceremony at the end of the festival. The youth jury is one of the rare opportunities for young people's voices to be heard in the media. But its also a great booster into the industry:
Past jurors have gone on to make their own films for BBC3, take internships with broadcasters, start their own festivals and write for film publications.
"Youth Jury is proof that as long as young people are passionate about what they do, other people will want to hear from them and give them the opportunity to get a foot in the door."
Lucy Pereira
"the best thing was meeting so many great people in the process. It was so much fun!"
Tarnia Mason – Youth Jury 2010
"If I wasn't turning 22 this year, I'd apply to do it again."
Tom Goble
Applications for 2013's youth jury open in Febuary 2013. Check out the Doc/Fest newsletters and Facebook page for details.
If you are interested in applying for 2013 drop a line to the programmer: Hussain Currimbhoy.