Banbridge’s budding Spielbergs wanted

THE District’s young film directors are being asked to take part in a project aimed at tackling racism, sectarianism and intergenerational issues.

The main objectives of Investing in Our Future Priority are to identify tomorrow’s leaders and build their capacity today and to encourage active participation within and between local communities.

The project, which aims to build positive relations at a local level in the Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh, Newry & Mourne council areas, is seeking to recruit groups from across these areas to participate in the project.

The six month project led by Craigavon Borough Council through their Investing in Our Future priority, as part of the PEACE lll Southern Partnership, will commence in March and will run in conjunction with Northern Ireland’s leading film training company Giga Training.

The participants will not only have the opportunity to work with industry professionals but they will receive training, a study visit, a residential and produce films which will be shown at an event to mark the completion of the project in September.

This project has been managed by the PEACE III Southern Partnership’s Investing in Our future priority and supported by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Cllr Roy Mc Cartney, Joint Chair of the Southern Partnership, said; “This is a very unique opportunity for those groups interested in pursuing or reigniting an interest in film making.

“Not only is this a the fantastic opportunity to work with a professional film makers but through the art of film making consider how they can play a part in building positive relations and tackling the racism, sectarianism and intergenerational issues which exist within our communities today and importantly see how they can help make a difference.”

John Walls, from Giga Training, said;
“Giga Training is delighted to be working with the Craigavon Borough Council on this fantastic project. Our team is made up of professionally trained and highly experienced film makers who will expertly guide participants throughout the project and ensure they received the very best experience. No experience is necessary – just enthusiasm and creativity is required!”

If you are part of a group who would like to take part in this project or to find out more information visit www.gigatraining.com or tel: 028 9581 1202.