Papaya Young Directors 2021: breaking records and setting new challenges for the industry18.03.2021

The competition builds the platform for all the filmmaking talents to grow and get noticed — no matter the place of origin, gender or experience gathered.

Submissions for the 8th edition have just been closed, and the organizers are sharing some trends they noticed analysing the applications.

Despite the pandemic, this year young filmmakers are very motivated to take on the challenge and produce films for the competition. Not only a record amount of submissions was sent in, but there are more interesting insights about the competition.

 For this year’s edition organizers are not only focused on creating the most supporting environment for the aspiring talents, but are determined to share the best production practises with the finalists, and equip them with all needed measures to make their sets carbon-neutral.

It seems that working in teams is getting more popular this year than ever before but the most exciting fact is that the submissions appeared to be gender-equal. The submissions came from 35 different countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand and more. Contestants submit their work anonymously, so that each applicant has equal chances to get noticed. The only guidelines are talent and unique perspective showcased in their treatments. 

For the 8th edition, Papaya Young Directors has gathered very impressive and numerous jury, inviting creatives from the full range of advertising agencies, film distributors, experienced directors, cinematographers and writers, as well as individuals engaged in culture and film industries.

The contestants submitted their ideas in three categories (Branded Stories, Music Stories, Vertical Stories by Facebook) and premiering subcategory: Women’s Stories. 

Main Partners of the competition are Audioteka, BMW, DPD, Durex, Facebook, IKEA, Kayax, Link4, McDonald’s, Multikino, Samsung Electronics and Tyskie, alongsite the foundations: Camera Femina, Cosmos for Girls and Kuchinate – African Refugee Women's Collective.

Partners supporting the competition are: ATM System, CPC Brand Consultants, Girls in Film, Heliograf, MakOnLine, Lunapark, Panavision, Ströer and Tidal.