Leeds Young Film creates and sustains opportunities for young people of all ages to develop their creativity and education through the exploration of the moving image and interactive arts, through greater access to international film culture, the experience of filmmaking, career development and showcasing.
Leeds Young Film was formed In 1999 and has engaged with over 200,000 children and young people since it was founded. Part of Leeds City Council’s City Development Department, LYF creates and sustains opportunities for young people and their families to develop their creativity and education through a range of projects and programmes which join together to create a film journey for young people, no matter their age, across informal and formal education. These include the UK’s largest family film event Leeds Young Film Festival (LYFF) and the North’s largest event of its kind for young filmmakers, the Independent Directions Film Festival (The INDIs).
Whether you are a child or parent looking for film recommendations or activities to do, a young person who wants to start or progress a career in film and TV or an educator who wants to know more about our extensive teaching and learning programmes, Leeds Young Film is here to help.
Leeds Young Film Festival
Leeds Young Film Festival is excited to be back at the Carriageworks Theatre at Easter 2022 after two years online, with a brand new look and feel. For the first time we are joining forces with Leeds City Museum, Leeds Central Library and Leeds Art Gallery, to provide a family film experience like no other. In partnership with children's theatre company Tutti Frutti, the festival will bring stories to life, taking you on a family film adventure with activities that the whole family can enjoy together in the heart of the city.
The festival programme will include exciting new films from around the world with action, drama and comedy suitable for children of all ages, as well as the chance to see some family favourites on the big screen. In addition to the main programme at the Carriageworks, we will be taking to the streets with some exciting filmmaking happening at skate parks across the city in partnership with Breeze as part of our new Film Street activity.
View the full LYFF 2022 programme now
Independent Directions Film Festival (the INDIs)
Aimed at young people aged 15+ who are interested in a career in film or are looking to further their film education, the INDIs provides advice and signposting, training and development opportunities, as well as networking sessions, workshops and skill surgeries, led by industry professionals and supported by the BFI, Creative England, Into Film, Leeds City College, Northern Film School, Leeds Arts University, among others.
View the full INDIs 2021 programme now
As part of the INDIs offer, we also host INDIs Monthly movie nights, the INDIs Film Network and the INDIs Programmers Group.
Education and Training
In addition to the film festivals, we also deliver several year-round film education programmes including the British Film Institute Film Academy filmmaking programme for 16-19 year-olds (now in its eighth year); the Burberry Inspire programme, working with Burberry Foundation on the first programme of its kind with several schools across Yorkshire supporting 11-14 year-olds to engage with the arts and inspire them to create their own moving image content, whilst studying the impact on their lives. We also run a CPD offer for educators using film to support literacy and attainment, in partnership with Into Film.
