WIREDGOV

We are inviting aspiring filmmakers to put our 'Files on film' by entering a short film competition which was launched yesterday. The theme for this year's competition is the First World War.

The competition, supported by the Friends of The National Archives, aims to encourage filmmakers to use the diverse collection of First World War documents and images housed here at The National Archives in Kew, as the inspiration for an original feature.

Ten documents to inspire you

Ten First World War documents have been selected from the archives and put online for this competition. Entrants must use one or more of these documents as the starting point for a three-minute short film. It could be a character, a line, or the whole document. Documents include songs from a Women's Land Army booklet, Siegfried Sassoon's famous war protest letter and Mata Hari's security service file.

Jenni Orme, Manager of Public History at The National Archives, said: 'This is a great opportunity for budding filmmakers to explore and interpret some of the diverse collection of First World War records held at The National Archives. Bringing these valuable records to life through the medium of film will allow people to engage in First World War as never before.'

The competition

Entries close on Wednesday 7 January 2015 and the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges including Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper at The National Archives, and award-winning filmmaker Chris Croucher, producer of season five of 'Downton Abbey' and writer/producer for his most recent short 'Friend Request Pending' that premiered at the 2012 BFI London Film Festival and starred Judi Dench.

The winning entry will be shown on The National Archives' website and will receive a cash prize of £500; second place will receive £200; and third place £100.

Full details of how to enter, terms and conditions and the digitised documents are available on the competition page.

This competition is supported by the Friends of The National Archives