If you aspire to a career in film, or just like playing around behind a camera, here are two opportunities for you to explore your passion.

Arlington Youth FIlm Festival
Every year, Arlington Independent Media and other sponsors hold this film competition for middle and high school students. The 2011 Arlington Youth Film Festival is being held again this Spring.
Teens are welcome to submit their short films (no longer than 10 minutes) by 10 pm on April 15. The festival itself, which includes a screening of the winning films, will be held at the Comedy Spot at Ballston Mall on Saturday, May 21. 
The available categories include comedy, drama, experimental and informational. All films are judged within their own category, and cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners of the contest. Each contestant will also be given an Arlington Independent Media T-shirt.
If you are interested in this contest, the main information and instructions on how to submit your entry are given here (courtesy of Jackie Steven from Arlington Independent Media).
Any middle school or high school student can enter. Prior experience in film isn’t necessary, and it is a great opportunity to try something new. Good luck to all of those who enter!
Watch clips of the winners from this years' film fest.

Document Arlington
Also sponsored by Arlington Independent Media, this "internship" is another great opportunity for those interested in film production. Document Arlington is a high school summer program where six students collaboratively create two documentaries about current events and projects concerning Arlington County.
During this six-week project, students learn how to operate cameras as well as the other technical aspects of creating a documentary. By the end of the program, the students will have created two 15-minute documentaries about their community.
The documentaries will be screened at Arlington Independent Media the following Fall. The deadline for applications is April 8.
This program teaches participants to build collaborative skills and introduces them to new and different ideas. It’s also a great way to become involved in your community by learning more about it and contributing to its culture. For more information on how to enter, go to the following link:
   http://www.arlingtonmedia.org/content/2011-document-arlington-project