The light is your friend.... ! As if. The Young Director Award presents another round of young directors from all over the world at Espace Miramar in Cannes and hosts a sundowner on Long Beach

The Young Director Award (YDA) is a reliable fixed date during advertising week in Cannes, which presents newcomer directors from all over the world. Following the wonderfully fierce ‘Born to Create Drama’ YDA President François Chilot and BETC EuroRSCG called for entries with the tagline: ‘directing it’s in your bones’.

Young and not so old bones alike answered their call and gathered at the new location: Espace Miramar. Indeed, the YDA was moved on from their beloved Palais Stephanie at surprisingly short notice. ‘The Festival doesn’t seem to like us very much’ – Francois succinctly ventured with his gorgeous French accent. We think it’s a shame, since this fringe programme offers a great platform for exchange and inspiration.

And our Go & See favourites? Obviously the hilarious ‘Cat Toast’ energy generator for Flying Horse by Tomat (Mateus Araujo / Tomas Salles ) from Brazil, which won first prize in the BROADCAST NON EUROPE category. Plus
VIRGIN RADIO CORENTIN - We Are From LA (2nd Prize BROADCAST EUROPE), FUNERAL - Kathleen Lorden (2nd Prize FILMSCHOOL NON EUROPE), CAPTURE THE WIND - Corydon Wagner (1st Prize TEST COMMERCIAL NON EUROPE), ...

Pippa Bhatt c/o CROSSROADS FILMS, UK accepted an award on behalf of director Nick SCOTT c/o GoSee Member CROSSROADS FILMS for his film ‘School Portrait’ (2nd Prize, VIDEO ART, as reported by GoSee).

And this year the Germans didn’t just deliver the goods, (Claas Ortmann with ‘The Store’ plus Tobias Haase ‘B.O.A.T.S.’), they also brought a little piece of Hollywood to the Croissette with Hanna Maria Hedrich’s ‘Life is calling’. Unfortunately we weren’t able to congratulate Hanna in person, but we met former YDA winner Aleksander Bach, who caught the eye of the American film industry and is currently in the middle of shooting his first US American action film. We just know everything. And wonna bet that Hanna will be next? The film is just too good. Which is why there was no Grand Prix – it could have only been her. And in consecutive running order too.

And Manfred seem to agree: ‘there was an unbelievable difference in quality in the FILMSCHOOL category. Non-Europe and Europe. The Europeans, especially the German film school contributions were leagues better, which I was particularly happy about. The quality of Germany’s film school entries is truly world class,’ enthused Manfred Vogelsänger, Member of the VDW Board and Vice President of cfp-e.

This year the public can vote for their very own favourite on the YDA Youtube channel. And Canon is also a new sponsor. In addition to fame and recognition, the director with the most clicks will also receive a brand new CANON MARK III * including a lens … another great incentive for making more good films.

Guido Jacobs, Marketing Director of Canon Germany, may have been called on stage somewhat early, but he clearly enjoyed the creative environment and the very laidback atmosphere. In his welcoming speech he said: ‘we believe that young creative talent deserves the support of Canon’s creative technology. Since Canon first opened for business 75 years ago passion for pictures has been our company’s priority. This applies to both photography, as well as moving images. And it is this very passion that is echoed in the YDA. Hence Canon is proud to support the YDA.’

And we are of course pleased to present the YDA trailer ‘the light is your friend’ with the lovely little boy, who gives his parents instructions in bed for a better performance. However, he is probably more likely to be dealing with amateur porn stars, discovered on the internet via his Tumblr account and booked on his smartphone by redeeming his loyalty points discount. Welcome to 2012.