Applications now open to join Junior Galway Film Fleadh Young Audience Award Jury

The Junior Galway Film Fleadh is excited to be partnering once again with the European Film Academy (EFA) to take part in the EFA’s Young Audience Award on Sunday 13^th November 2022. If you are a young adult aged between 12-14 years old with a keen interest in film attending school in Galway City or County / West of Ireland and would like to be part of our jury then we want to hear from you.

So what is it exactly?

The EFA Young Audience Award is a simultaneous, Europe-wide, film viewing event for young people aged between 12 – 14 years. It’s like the Eurovision, but for films! Participation is free.

Each participating city involves an audience of young people who will vote for their favourite film
On Sunday 13^thNovember , the 3 nominated films will be screened at the Palas Cinema, Galway (9am to 6pm). Each film will be introduced, and a short discussion will take place after each screening. A final discussion will take place before votes are cast. That evening the Awards Ceremony will be live streamed from Erfurt (Germany). There will be plenty of breaks throughout the day offering the chance to chat with fellow jury members and lunch will served.
A short preparation workshop will be held approx. 2 weeks before the screenings to provide background information on each film and a framework for viewing.

Why should I take part in the jury?

Being on the jury for the Young Audience Award:

Offers a unique opportunity to discover great European films
Presents films which reflect the realities of young people all over Europe
Raises interest in European stories, people, cultures and societies
Builds bridges to exchange different points of view
Increases awareness of important social issues
Stimulates commitment, a sense of community, understanding and tolerance
It empowers young film enthusiasts to be catalysts for positive change and supports a greater understanding of their European neighbours.

Last but not least, it provides the experience of being an active member of the European community in a democratic voting process.

“I was honoured to be able to see and discuss such a great variety of international films that I wouldn’t have been able to see in my local cinema. It was a great experience to be able to judge these incredible films. I enjoyed every minute!”
– James Jury Member 2021

“I really enjoyed being part of the Young Audience Award in 2021. It was an amazing experience and I got to watch films I never thought I would watch, like films with subtitles! I liked the way I was able to vote for my favourite film and talk about why I liked it.”
– Dara F Jury Member 2021

“The Young Audience Award was a fun and enjoyable experience which taught me a lot. I have learned about critiquing movies and it has broadened my interest in film and drama”
– 2019/20 Jury Member Maya

How can I be part of the jury?

For young people aged from 12 to 14
You must be attending school/home schooled in the Galway City or County / West of Ireland
You must have an active interest in cinema
Be available to attend a preparation workshop (90 mins)– date and time tbc

Closing date for applications 21^st October 2022

Three films – two feature films and one documentary – have been selected by film experts and teenager from all over Europe to be in the running for the Young Audience Award 2022.

The films are

DREAMS ARE LIKE WILD TIGERS

DIRECTED BY Lars Montag | Germany | © Wild Bunch Germany / NFP
Sun 13^th November 2022 | 95 Mins

Bollywood is the cat’s meow for the twelve-year-old Ranji from Mumbai: the colourful films of the Indian film industry with their infectious songs and dance steps make him happy – as they do for millions of other compatriots. He wants nothing more than to stand in front of the camera with his avowed hero, the Indian superstar Amir Roshan. But his great desire seems beyond reach when his parents tell the boy about their dream of emigrating to faraway Germany. Just the hope of taking part in an audition for Amir Roshan’s new film keeps him going – even if it’s being held back in his home country of India. You have to fight for your dreams – they don’t come true on their own. The girl next door, Toni, agrees with that sentiment and turns out to be an unexpected ally for Ranji. With courage and combined efforts, the two set out to make their dreams come true – and, in the process, discover the joy of true friendship too.

ANIMAL

16-year-old Bella and Vipulan are part of a generation convinced its very future is in danger. Between climate change and the 6th mass extinction of wildlife, their world could well be inhabitable 50 years from now.
They have sounded the alarm over and over, but nothing has really changed. So they’ve decided to tackle the root of the problem: our relationship with the living world.
Over the course of an extraordinary journey, they come to realize just how deeply humans are tied to all other living species.
And that by saving them… we’re also saving ourselves.
Humans thought they could distance themselves from nature, but humans are part and parcel of nature. For man is, after all, an Animal.

COMEDY QUEEN

Comedy Queen tells the story of 13-year old Sasha who refuses to cry despite suffering from immeasurable sorrow. She decides to become a stand-up comedian. Her goal is to make everyone laugh again, especially her father.