An exciting new opportunity for fledgling film-makers to realise their dreams has been launched in Ealing and Hounslow.

The Ealing and Hounslow Short Film Production Fund will provide money and guidance to help undiscovered film-makers on their way to becoming the next Gurinder Chadha or Jackie Chan.

Two successful applicants will produce their own films, including hiring equipment and locations if necessary, while having access to an industry mentor throughout.

They will receive up to £4,000 each and the only condition is that the money must go towards producing a short film or documentary which gives a perspective on how an Asian culture (from Korean to Afghani) interacts within the wider community in west London.

The fund is a joint initiative between the West London Film Office, Reel Film Hounslow, and Ealing and Hounslow councils.

Councillor Seema Kumar, who is on the panel of judges, said: "I am delighted to be part of this great new initiative to discover new local talent. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to be creative and have their say about what it means to be Asian and British."

Interested parties will be given the opportunity to attend a film-makers workshop in September. Application forms are available online in the arts funding section of www.ealing.gov.uk. The deadline for submitting forms is 15 September.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of industry professionals in October, at which point they will hand over completed scripts for assessment. The selected projects should begin production in mid-October and films must be produced and ready to view by March 2007.

For further details and to return application forms, contact Ewan Willmott on telehone number 020 8825 6105 or 020 8825 5975 or email willmotte@ealing.gov.uk

August 10, 2006