Puttnam to address young filmmakers

Oscar-winning film producer Lord David Puttnam will be giving young Irish film- makers the benefit of his wisdom and experience at a national conference taking place in Kilkenny Castle later this month.

Young Irish Film Makers are hosting the Youth Film and Digital Media conference on April 26 to mark the association’s 21st anniversary. Lord Puttnam CBE, whose filmography includes Chariots of Fire, The Mission and Local Hero, will deliver the keynote address.

Lord Puttnam will deliver his speech, on the future of digital media, by video-link from his home in Cork. Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan is among the speakers.

The one-day conference will bring together key film, television, education, youth arts organisations and individuals and will promote the development a national strategy for youth film.

Representatives from RTÉ, the Arts Council, Irish Film Board, Irish Film Institute, Screen Directors and Producers, EU Media Desk, Irish Film School, Carlow and Waterford ITs and The Ark Cultural Centre for Children will also be attending while several youth film festivals and youth film and youth arts organisations and workers have also agreed to attend.