Young Filmmakers Shine at Record-Breaking Bermuda Youth Film Festival

A celebration of creativity, culture, and cinematic brilliance took place on Thursday, 19th June, as young filmmakers from across the island gathered for the fourth annual Bermuda Youth Film Festival at BUEI. Hosted by Saltus Grammar School, the evening marked a record-breaking year for the Festival, with nineteen films submitted and participation from two new schools.

Festival Founder Therese Bean, Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Saltus, expressed her excitement: "It is truly inspiring to witness the hard work, creativity, and pursuit of excellence shown by these young filmmakers. This year’s submissions surpassed expectations, both in production quality and the breadth of storytelling."

The 2025 festival showcased a vibrant mix of genres, styles, and student voices, with a special emphasis on this year’s signature item: the Bermuda Gombey. The evening opened with a screening of “Thoughts Become Things” by acclaimed local filmmaker Stephan Johnstone—an internationally recognized short film that honours Bermuda’s Gombey traditions.

Attendees also received an exclusive preview of ‘GIFTED’, a new initiative from Dr. Dana Selassie, designed to empower the next generation of girls in Film, Technology, Entertainment, and Design. GIFTED is a six-month transformative journey for girls aged 13–17, fostering creative mastery, innovation, and leadership. For more information, please visit the website: https://maryprincebermuda.com/gifted.

Looking ahead, the 2026 signature item was revealed to be the Bermuda Kite—a cultural symbol sure to inspire next year’s entries. The submission deadline is set for Friday, 22nd May 22, 2026.

Best New Talent
“The Mystery of Einstein’s Theory” – Kira Dunley Owen, Bermuda High School

Best Use of Sound & Signature Item
“Don’t Change the Channel” – Seri Fisher, Warwick Academy

Best Animation
“Masked” – Jayde Dickinson, Saltus Grammar School

Best Documentary
“Wings” – Carmela Easton, Bermuda High School

Best Message
“Boxing with Controversy” – Tristan Burgess, Saltus Grammar School

Best Comedy
“Duck Tape” – Jackson LaHuta, Warwick Academy

Best Actor
Lara Burnet in “The Perfect Part”, by Florence Russell – Warwick Academy

Best Original Screenplay (Tie)
“Tails of Bermuda” – Alyssa Penrose, Kira Dunley Owen, Zooey de los Santos, Madison Fletcher, Isla Fletcher, Isabella Neurerer – Bermuda High School
“The Crazy Cardell Case” – Zooey de los Santos – Bermuda High School

Best Director & Best Editing
“Behind the Spikes: Beyond the Medals” – Roman Jones, Somersfield Academy

Best Production Values
“Off Centre Without You” – Chloe Samuels, Warwick Academy

Best Film
“What Follows Me” – Diana Bishop, Warwick Academy

The Bermuda Youth Film Festival continues to grow in participation and prestige, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers to share their stories and celebrate Bermudian culture through film. Please visit: www.saltus.bm/film-festival for more information.