TIFF's Young Filmmakers Debut Their Work on the Big Screen

The 16th edition of TIFF Kids International Film Festival's™ Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase celebrates the future of filmmaking and shines a spotlight on budding talent. A selection of short films, submitted by Ontario youth, will screen during the TIFF Kids Festival on Sunday, April 23 at 12 p.m. (Grades 4 to 6) and 12:30 p.m. (Grades 7 & 8) at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Following the screenings, the winners of the Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase will be announced at the free TIFF Kids Awards Ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Encouraged to use film as a medium for self-expression, the Jump Cuts competition provides young filmmakers the opportunity to view their work on the big screen and explore their artistic impulses.

This year's selection showcases 38 short films exploring many topics that impact young people today, such as the power of imagination, bullying, the importance of friendship, facing adversity, and finding yourself in the process. As a nod to Canada's sesquicentennial, two of the films, The B(m)aking of Canada / La cuisson du Canada and Alliances and Betrayals in Canada 1850-1914, explore Canadiana, the country's history, and what Canada means to them. Other film highlights include an exposé on the homework that goes missing in your locker, what happens when Santa Claus shows up in the summer, and the spy thriller Code: Squirrels. The films vary in genre such as silent film, stop motion, live action, and computer animation, and range from light-hearted comedies to compelling dramas and animated music videos. Finalists were chosen based on proficiency in form, expression, experimentation, and content.

A jury comprised of film industry professionals will select the grand prize-winning film in each grade category. This year's jury includes Toronto-based filmmaker Joële Walinga (Cave Big, Cave Small); Audrey Dwyer, the artistic director for The Children's Theatre Company Cow Over Moon and DORA nominee; filmmaker and animator Nathan Jurevicius (Scarygirl; Junction - TIFF Kids 2016 Official Selection); and Toronto filmmaking instructor Brent Orr (Never Too Short Productions).

The 2017 Jump Cuts Prizes are as follows:

The FredeRick Simpson Award for Best Film (Grades 4 to 6)
The Veronica Herman Award for Best Film (Grades 7 & 8)

The FredeRick Simpson and Veronica Herman Awards are generously supported by Garrett Herman.