Merton Council, working in partnership with Film London, is calling on the borough’s residents to record 90-second films for a competition called ‘Film Merton in 90 Seconds’. Those who enter could win the chance of screening their short film at the Best of Boroughs (BoBs) film making competition at a prestigious central London venue.

Film London is inviting budding film-makers in Merton to explore and interpret the theme ‘bridging the gap’. This is the chance to tell the world about Merton through the eye of a camcorder or mobile phone.

As part of the London Borough Film Fund Challenge this competition is open in a number of boroughs across the capital. The winning filmmaker(s) from Merton will win £300 and attend the BoBs.

All budding Spielbergs should submit their shorts on DVD or CD by Friday 23 April, clearly marked with the title of the film, the name of the filmmaker and a contact phone number and email address to:

Film Merton in 90 Seconds

c/o Asheq Akhtar
Arts Development
London Borough of Merton, 12th floor civic centre
London Road
Morden, SM4 5DX

Details about the competition can be found at http://www.merton.gov.uk/filmlondon

Merton Council cabinet member for environment and leisure services Councillor David Simpson said: ‘Merton has an incredible past on which to draw and a vibrant present for our local filmmakers to explore. Camcorders are so light and convenient these days, it’s easy to take one out with you, and most of us have mobile phones with inbuilt movie cameras.

‘We are continuing to develop cultural opportunities in Merton from which all our residents can benefit. Film is a very powerful medium and I would encourage everyone to have a go and enter this competition. This could be the opportunity you have been waiting for to discover a talent you never knew you had.’

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London said: “Film London is delighted to offer this wonderful opportunity to residents across Merton. I would encourage everyone interested in filmmaking or working in the industry to pick up a camcorder and make a film! I have no doubt there are a great deal of talented people throughout the borough and with some of the terrific locations available to them, I can’t wait to see the results.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors

The BoBs is a film-making competition run by Film London, with support from the Mayor of London. It is an annual prize to find the best shorts produced through the London Borough Film Fund Challenge (LBFFC).