Children and teenagers across Essex are being invited to get creative this summer by making a short film addressed to their future selves.
The national filmmaking competition, called ‘Dear Future Self’, has been launched by the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) and is open to young people aged 18 and under across the UK.
Participants are being asked to create a short film exploring what they would like themselves to remember about who they are today when they look back ten years from now.
The film could focus on anything meaningful to them, from a favourite hobby or treasured memory to something that brings them happiness.
The young filmmaker must be the subject of their film, appearing either on screen or through voiceover narration.
Nick Pilton, Head of Film and Television at PQA, said the competition was designed to encourage young people to think about what matters to them.
He said: “Dear Future Self is all about encouraging young people to reflect on who they are and what is important to them.
“Film is a powerful storytelling tool, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and imagination that participants bring to the challenge.”
The competition comes during the summer holidays, with PQA encouraging young people to use the time to try something creative and use phones or cameras to tell their own stories.
Mr Pilton said: “With the summer holidays giving young people more free time, this is a brilliant opportunity to step away from screens, try something creative and use their phones or cameras in a more purposeful way.
“We hope the challenge gives children and teenagers something fun, meaningful and confidence-building to focus on over the summer.”
Two winners will be selected, with one prize going to a filmmaker aged under 12 and another to someone aged 12 and over.
Each winner will receive a £150 voucher of their choice, while four runners-up will receive £20 cinema vouchers.
The winning and runner-up films will also be screened at the PQA Film Festival 2026, with events taking place in London on November 15 and Sheffield on November 29.
The young filmmakers will receive their prizes and awards at the festivals.
Entries must be submitted by midnight on Monday, August 31.
PQA, which welcomes children aged four to 18, provides performing arts training alongside life and social skills.
Its activities cover more than singing and dancing, with students also given opportunities to explore comedy, story writing, television and filmmaking.
Young people in Essex interested in taking part can find the full competition guidelines and entry details through PQA.
For more information, and to enter, visit pqatv.com/news/dear-future-self.
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