THE deadline for the Young Filmmaker of Mann and the Short Film Competition, both run by the Isle of Man Arts Council, is looming.

The closing date for entries for both competitions is Wednesday, August 18.

Young Filmmaker of Mann is now in its seventh year and has become an established outlet for young Manx filmmakers to showcase their talent.

Entrants must be under the age of 23.

The Short Film Competition was introduced in 2007 as part of the Isle of Man Film Festival (now in its fourth year) and will be running once again for anyone who is resident in the Isle of Man, of Manx descent or whose films have a Manx theme.

Individuals and groups can apply for both competitions and the categories are: comedy, drama, documentary, experimental, music video and animation.

Category winners will be awarded £100 and competition winners will receive trophies and £200 each. Short listed entries will be screened in a showcase event at the Manx Museum, Douglas, on Saturday, September 11 as part of the Film Festival.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "Film and media continue to be a passion for young people, offering instant chances for expression via mediums such as You Tube and personal websites.

"Judging by previous years’ competitions, film making by young people is prolific on the Island and it’s always a pleasure to see the large number of entries we receive." 

The judging panel for this year’s competitions will include local film producer Charles Guard, Greenlight Television director Rob Hurdman and Arts Council members.

Entry forms are available from the Isle of Man Arts Council on 694598, email iomartscouncil@dtl.gov.im or visit the website www.iomarts.com