YDA winner Arthur Studholme on making a name in comedy
With his awkward, surreal and utterly hilarious short, What's My Name?, Pulse Films director Studholme picked up a Gold at 2022's YDA. Here he discusses the origins of the unfortunate encounter, how a chance job with a prosthetics expert can make a micro-budget into a masterpiece, and why losing your lead actor the night before the shoot can sometimes work in your favour.
YDA winners Nono+Rodrigo send an SOS from a planet in peril
Directing duo Nono+Rodrigo's epic short, Terra Cene, won a Gold Screen in this year's YDA category Changing the World Frame by Frame. Here, they tell shots about time capsules, terrifying countdowns and how shooting in Ukraine made it a dream project.
Emma Branderhorst's Spotless triumph
Emma Branderhorst's powerful and affecting short film highlights the impact of period poverty on a young girl's life. Here, Branderhorst explains her journey from in front of to behind the camera, how she put her faith in a brilliant but untested actress, and why winning YDA gold means the world.
Sebastian Hill-Esbrand's Family secrets
Sebastian Hill-Esbrand picked up a Gold Screen at this year's YDA for Family, his powerful charity film for the BC Centre on Substance Use. Here, he discusses his start in skateboard films, the difficulties in casting and the impact of imposter syndrome.
YDA-winner Ebeneza Blanche takes aim
SMUGGLER director Ebeneza Blanche picked up a Gold Screen in the Music Video category for Little Simz's Point & Kill at this year's YDA. Here, they talk about college studies, Nigerian culture and having their work recognised.
YDA winner Eugen Merher on the creation of a small-town folk tale
Director Eugen Merher won two silvers and a gold at this year's YDA for his compelling film The Boy Who Couldn't Feel Pain. Here he shares his created inspiration, from computer games to Wim Wenders, and reveals his fascination with capturing a particularly American brand of desolation.
Joost Biesheuvel on winning a YDA with his tale of mismatched love
Director Joost Biesheuvel picked up a Gold Screen (Video Art) for his short film Cats and Dogs, produced by Vigics, at this year’s YDA. Here, the composer-turned-filmmaker talks about troubled relationships, the joys of collaboration and the magic of metaphors.
Sindha Agha on how to make a YDA-winning how to series
The Corner Shop director, Sindha Agha, won Gold at the Young Director Award for her funny, honest and touching film How to Get an Abortion. Here, she discusses casting, colour and faking it till you make it.
YDA-winner CARAZ on the memories of butterflies
Montreal-based director CARAZ won two Gold Screens for Video Art and Short Film (Up To 6 Mins) in this year's YDA. Here she shares how, through her observation of tiny details in the development of the dance, the concept for the piece gradually unfurled and took wing.
YDA-winner Steve Bache talks Fatjona
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg director Steve Bache picked up a Gold Screen in the Film School (6 mins and over) category for their short film, Fatjona at this year's YDA. Here, they discuss being inspired by real events, moral dilemmas and learning to trust your inner voice.
YDA-winner Thomas Deknop gives us the lowdown on Binge Loving
Director Thomas Deknop picked up a Special Jury Prize in the Short Film (6 to 30 mins) category for his short film, Binge Loving at this year's YDA. Here, he talks about being obsessed with movies and stories, working with first-time actors and playing with genre conventions.
Bradford Young's superhuman story
Bradford Young is a DoP with an amazing pedigree of work behind him and, more recently, a director who this year picked up both two YDA Golds and a Cannes Lion Grand Prix for his stunning Paralympic spot. He talks to David Knight about artistic filmmaking, liberation and leaps of faith.