Arts Council England
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Oska Bright seeks submissions from aspiring and established Learning disabled film makers

Award-winning international film and digital media festival, Oska Bright, is now seeking submissions from Learning disabled artists for this year's event, which runs from the 8 - 10 November 2015 at Brighton Dome.

This will be the seventh edition of Oska Bright, which is a joint venture between Arts Council England NPO Carousel, a learning disability arts charity, and JUNK TV, a film production company based in Brighton. The festival is run by, and for, Learning disabled people, with the aim of providing a platform of exposure for their artistic talents. The international festival has been running since 2003 and happens every two years.

The Festival is planned, managed and delivered by a team of Learning disabled people, with Carousel providing the infrastructure to make this happen. The company ensures that all its work is led by Learning disabled people, who also have seats on its Board of Directors, including at Chairperson level.

Each edition of the festival features over 100 screenings, masterclasses, Q&A sessions and an award ceremony to honour the best films and filmmakers in the show. The Oska Bright committee will spend five months watching and assessing hundreds of entries from all around the world to select the films for the Festival, across a range of different categories.

The three-day event brings together filmmakers, film lovers and Learning disabled people together, demonstrating the impact of the arts on our communities. Oska Bright challenges perceptions of what great art is and who can make it. It is a truly accessible and totally diverse event providing a unique opportunity for Learning disabled film-makers and audiences.

Jason Eade, Oska Bright Committee Member, is a notable example of how Oska Bright nurtures and supports its artists. Since joining the Oska Bright team, Jason has travelled to Canada to screen films and collect an award, won the South Downs National Park award for his film Up On The Downs and is now working on a new film and performance event called Metopra in collaboration with rock band Sabien Gator. In November 2014 Jason represented Oska Bright at a reception in the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Oona King.

Jason said: "'Oska Bright has given me so many great opportunities and this year's festival is going to be bigger and better than ever before. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone."

Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said: "We are very proud to support the Oska Bright Film Festival and all the artists involved through our work with Carousel. This festival is not just important for the recognition participating artists receive for the high quality of their work, but also for opening up greater opportunities for Learning disabled artists to engage in the wider artistic and cultural community."

Aspiring filmmakers can apply by downloading a form from Carousel's website, by calling 01273 234734, or by emailing oskabright@carousel.org.uk. Films must be under 10 minutes, although five is the ideal length, and submissions must be received before 30 April 2015 in order to be considered for the festival.

 

Channel website: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/

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