Submissions 2016 are now open for youth groups and individuals to submit their short film into the Cutting East Shorts Programme Pic: Cutting East

Youth groups and individuals in East London are invited to be take part in Cutting East 2016 , the annual, unique youth-led festival aiming to find young writers, directors and producers.

People aged 13 to 19, and up to 25 with special educational needs, can submit a film or become a programmer of the event. Films must be ten minutes or under, and entries can be in various genres including documentary, music video, drama, animation, spoken word or dance. Selected films will be screened as part of the festival on March 19, 2016 at the Genesis Cinema in Whitechapel.

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from professionals about film festival production, including film programming, marketing, project management and design.

Hamida Begum, from East London, a past organiser, said: “It keeps inspiring and encouraging young adults. It was an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Diego Caicedo Galindo, who competed in the festival in 2014 as part of a team, said: “The process of programming the festival is something very unique and the payout is so worth it.”

Councillor Asma Begum, cabinet member for culture in Tower Hamlets said that the festival has grown each year: “It allows us to celebrate the talents of young film-makers in East London, who are proving that their unique upbringing in one of the most multicultural parts of the country is certainly a catalyst for real creative flare.”

The deadline for applications is January 11, but for film submission it is February 15. The project runs from January 14 to March 24.

The Cutting East Film Festival has been active since 2013. It is run by a team of young people aged between 16-21 from throughout the East End of London.

For more information, apply here.