LYFF Best Short Film Winner PRICK
LONDON, UK -- The London Young Film Festival, which has been running for the past two years as a sub-section of the London Independent Film Festival, announced its independence this year, and ran as a unique event last week, with a spectacular line-up of over 100 films.
The London Young Film Festival (LYFF) is the leading UK film festival for young filmmakers, and provides the annual gathering point for young filmmakers from around the world. Six days of screenings, workshops, lectures, and networking events provides ample opportunities for filmmakers under 26 years of age, to showcase their achievements, learn from mentors, and build contacts for future collaborations. The Festival also benefits from the vibrant London filmmaking community.
This year, the LYFF showed films from over a dozen countries, including 12 feature films, 10 feature documentaries, and over 80 short films, music videos and short documentaries. The Festival prioritises ultra low-budget films of independent spirit and exciting new talent. Training is central to the LYFF mission, and a full programme of intensive film instruction accompanies the annual film exhibition.
Young Shropshire-born filmmaker Ryan Vernava who walked off with the award for Best Short Film with PRICK- the tale of a photography student who through his blurred photographs discovers the bleak truth about last night's party - said: “LYFF is one of those rarities that gives us young people a real chance to get our voice heard. I'm very happy with the win and the exposure LYFF has given me as a young director.”
Ryan graduated from the Westminster Film School with a first in 2009. His first project - 'Axe: Be Careful Who You Turn On' - won Best Overall, Best In Brief and Best Casting at the Kodak Student Film Awards 2009. He is heavily influenced by the work of Gus Van Sant. PRICK is his début as a drama director.
Festival exec Erich Schultz said: “We were overwhelmed by the response this year, and delighted with such an impressive line-up of films. We very much hope these talented young filmmakers will benefit from the opportunity of learning together and exhibiting their work in a stimulating international environment.”
LYFF director Emily Smith said, “2009 was a great year for the London Young Film Festival and our combination of skill-enhancing workshops and fantastic films from around the world made for a wonderful and exciting event. Many young filmmakers gathered to share their perspectives of the world and to learn from each other and the festival training staff.”
