Budding young filmmakers urged to apply for competition named after Sean Connery

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A competition named after the legendary Sean Connery is calling for entries from filmmakers. The contest, which offers a cash prize of £50,000, has been set up by the Sean Connery Foundation in partnership with the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence will shortlist 10 world-premiere feature films to be shown at the EIFF, which takes place from August 15-21.The winning film will be chosen by an audience vote and will receive £50,000.Paul Ridd, EIFF director, said: "Sean Connery was a vital patron of EIFF, consistently showing up to support new talent and gracing countless red carpets."He loved Edinburgh and he loved the festival.

We are thrilled to establish the prize to honour this iconic Scottish star and we are immensely moved by the generosity of the Sean Connery Foundation, an organisation which shares our respect for cinema history and excitement for its future."Stephane Connery, chairman of the Sean Connery Foundation and stepson of the late star, added: "From the moment we launched the Sean Connery Foundation, we have been focused on expanding opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry, particularly those who face disadvantage."Jason Connery, Sean Connery Foundation ambassador and son of the late star, said: "Dad made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival." Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "He knew first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity.

He also knew how hard it is to make an extraordinary film."With this prize, we link his legacy as a talent who rose from humble means to