ENTRIES have now opened for this year's Ealing Film Festival.

Following last year's inaugural event, the organisers, Peter Gould, Annemarie Flanagan and Alan Granley have launched the second Ealing Film Festival.

Over 150 entries from around the world were submitted to last year's festival, despite the hardships of the pandemic.

The awards ceremony was hosted online, by comedian and TV presenter, Mel Giedroyc, with Iranian film, Ava's Silence, winning the top prize.

"We know we took a chance, going ahead with the festival at such a difficult time in people's lives", said Flanagan.

"But we realised that in such dark days, everyone needed a lift, something to raise their spirits and provide hope for the future.

"We wanted to provide a platform for filmmakers that allowed them to stay creative at a time when normal life had stopped.

Depending on the COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the organisers hope to hold a 'real' event in Ealing towards the end of the year.

They have introduced a separate 'Lockdown' category for films that are either about the pandemic or have been made during lockdown.

There is another new category for 'Performance', which includes work normally performed on stage in front of an audience, but which has been filmed and made available online.

This includes spoken-word performances like drama, poetry and comedy sketches, but also includes music videos, song and dance, puppetry and magic.

The final new category is the 'Phyllis Crocker Award', which recognises an outstanding contribution by a female filmmaker and has been named after one of the women pioneers at Ealing Studios, who worked on 60 major productions as Continuity Supervisor.

This includes any of the key filmmaking roles, such as producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer and film editor.

All the money raised by submission fees in last year's festival went back to filmmakers in the form of cash prizes.

"Our aim is the same, we want to shine a spotlight on new talent", said Granley.

"The filmmakers who took part in last year's festival told us that they really appreciated the opportunity to show their work to an appreciative audience.

"Now more than ever, filmmakers need that kind of encouragement."

Brian Wallace from the US won last year's award for Best Film about the Environment with Stay Green.

He said: "I am very proud to have been part of the inaugural year for this festival.

"The quality of films selected was excellent and we were humbled to be among them.

"The festival has some of the most impressive judges I've yet encountered, legit industry heavy hitters.

"This festival will continue to grow and prosper."

There will once again be a panel of judges with huge experience in the world of film and television, but there will also be a 'People's Choice' award, just like last year too, decided by a public vote.

Another of last year's winners was Mark Jepson, with his film, Remembrance, which picked up the Best Film award in the 'Sci-Fi' category.

He said: "A superb film festival!

"It's got off to a great start with a strong online presence, a wide selection of entries, and a credible panel of industry judges.

"Entry fees are reasonable and the offer of cash prizes makes this festival stand out against the competition.

"I look forward to seeing this festival going from strength to strength.

"Highly recommended to all filmmakers and film lovers."

Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, said: "I'm delighted that Ealing Film Festival is back following the success of the inaugural festival last year.

"Ealing has a pedigree of producing outstanding film and television, from the Ealing comedies of the post-war period, to episodes of Doctor Who.

"The film festival continues that tradition, inspiring our next generation of talented filmmakers.

"I look forward to hosting the film festival's winners at a special screening at the Houses of Parliament once the worst of COVID-19 is behind us."

To submit your entry click HERE.