Best of north Devon showcased by young filmmakers

BBC The image shows a young man wearing a brown jacket, holding a mobile phone in a camera rig, filming over a wall along a river estuary. It is a cloudy day.BBC
The filmmakers are being asked to show a young person's sense of what makes North Devon special

What people love about the area they come from has been showcased in a set of short films made by young people.

Thirty of these films have been entered in a filmmaking competition named "Place", organised by North Devon District Council.

The aim of the competition for under 25s, is to explore what makes north Devon special through themes including the coast, the countryside, communities, culture and wildlife.

Clare China, project officer for the council, said: "It's their home. It's where they live. It's where they work and study. We wanted to see that through their eyes, and for them to tell us what they think is important about North Devon.

The image shows five young people standing in a row outside on some grass. Three of them are holding recording equipment.
Students from North Devon College are taking part in the competition

Harry Deakin, whose film is among the 30 submissions, recently returned to Barnstaple after studying film at university in Birmingham.

He said his film would show "there is life here, as most people often think of Devon as a place to retire or to raise children".

Deakin insisted young people can still "have a fruitful life" in the area.

Submissions from students from the media studies department at North Devon College are also among the entries with many of their films choosing to focus on the natural landscape and beautiful beaches.

Fifteen shortlisted entries will be screened publicly at a red carpet event to be held at Ilfracombe's Landmark Theatre,.

Six finalists will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of a professional editing studio in London and support to help develop their creative careers, while two runners up will be given mentoring.

The winner's material and ideas will inspire an official video celebrating the area from a young person's perspective, to feature on the council's website, social media and elsewhere.

A winner will be announced on Monday 2 November.

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