SCOTLAND’S film critics of the future have a chance to grab the spotlight in a competition organised by The Herald and IntoFilm.
The education charity gives young people from ages 5-19 the chance to watch and make films.
As part of its work, it runs the annual Into Film Festival, offering free access to movies.
This year’s event, from November 7-23, includes new titles The Grinch, Nativity Rocks! and the Palme d’Or winning Shoplifters, recent releases including They Shall Not Grow Old: Peter Jackson's pioneering new war documentary, and classic comedy Some Like It Hot.
The competition will be for two age groups: ages 5-11 and 12-18.
Entrants, who must live in Scotland, can review any title in the IntoFilm festival.
The winner in each category will have a review published in The Herald and receive a bag of film merchandise.
Winners to be announced on November 23.
Actor Kevin Guthrie, star of Sunshine on Leith, Dunkirk, and Sunset Song, and IntoFilm Ambassador for Scotland, said: "Reviews are an important part of the film industry, and can really make you think about your own performance. This is an exciting competition that could encourage the next generation of film reviewers, and ensure the future of film criticism is in safe hands."
Laura O’Donnell, a teacher at St Ninian’s High School in Giffnock, said: “Since the pupils enjoy writing about their opinions of film, they can begin to see writing as a process which doesn’t have to be particularly onerous for them.
"The sense of accomplishment they get when they are recognised for their hard work may encourage them to work harder across all their subjects. They also learn a lot about structuring paragraphs and including interesting vocabulary along the way.”
The Into Film Festival is now in its sixth year, with 258 events in Scotland across 57 venues.
Deadline is December 19.
How to enter: ask your teacher, youth group leader or home educator to visit www.intofilm.org to see what is showing near you.
Send your review, which should be a maximum of 300 words, to support@intofilm.org or post free to FREEPOST RTAE-BAZG-CSZZ, FILMCLUB Damasco House, 31 Islington Green, London N1 8DU.
THE shortlist has been announced for the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation Award, a prize which recognizes Scottish folk and traditional artists "innovating and distinguishing themselves in their field."
The award is worth £25,000.
The award is also accompanied by the brewing of an ale with the winner’s name alongside an appearance at the Belhaven Brewery Post Parade Party in New York during Tartan Week in April 2019.
The winning artist will also be featured in a televised advertising campaign featuring their music.
Quintet Elephant Sessions won last year.
This year's short list includes Breabach, Daimh, Fara, Inya, Nae Plans, Niteworks, Rachel Newton, Siobhan Miller, Talisk and Tide Lines.
The winner of the award will be announced at MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards at Perth Concert Hall on 1 December.
www.mgalba.com
THE Bearsden Choir is celebrating its 50th birthday a performance of Handel's Messiah in Glasgow City Halls on 16 December.
This is the piece that the choir was founded to perform in the Rio Cinema, Bearsden in 1968.
It will be performed at 4pm.
www.bearsdenchoir.co.uk
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