Following on from the success of the first St Neots Film Festival in 2016, organisers are calling for submissions of short films for this year’s event.

The festival will take place at Cineworld, St Neots on November 8/9. Films of up to 20 minutes from any genre can be submitted to the festival. Submission is free and makers of shortlisted films will receive free entry to the festival.

Prizes will be awarded to winners from the following categories: documentaries, films by children, films by teenagers and films by adults. One film will also be selected as the mayor’s choice.

The event has attracted sponsorship from Into Film, an organisation which gives children and young people the opportunity to experience film creatively whether that be watching, critiquing or making. Last year, about 200 cinema-goers enjoyed 40 short films which showcased the work of filmmakers from the Cambridgeshire area. The 2016 winners were:

Best film by an adult – The Birch by Ben Franklin and Anthony Melton

Best film by a child – Italy by Amber Moore

Best film by a teenager – The Door by Olivia Jordan

Best documentary – The Great Fen Spitfire by Martyn Moore

After picking up the 2016 best film by adults award, Huntingdon-based Ben Franklin, co-director of The Birch said: “I hope this year serves as an inspiration for all other local filmmakers, that they too can have their films selected as part of this festival and have their achievements recognised in the same way we did. If you enjoy filmmaking there are so many opportunities for you to be able to get out and shoot your short film now, even if it’s simply just by using your camera-phone.”

For more information, visit www.stneotsfilmfestival.co.uk. Submissions should be emailed to: melina@stneotsfilmfestival.co.uk by midday on October 8.