A global film and animation competition for children and young people under the age of 25 is now taking entries.

Until April 28, entrants have been asked to develop, shoot or animate, and edit an original 90-second short film, around the theme A Sense of Hope.

Now in its fourth year, the annual competition run by Elstree Film Design in Borehamwood is now open to entrants from anywhere in the UK and around the world for the first time.

Five new award categories have now been added, which means there are now 15 categories in total. These awards will recognise both creative and technical achievements and are: Best Film, Best Animation, Best Nonfiction, Best Idea, Best Story, Best Look, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Costume, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Edit, Best Original Music, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Cast.

There are three age groupings: Primary (up to 11), Secondary (11-18), and 18-25, which means a total of 45 awards are up for grabs.

Film and TV industry professionals will judge the entries, including Academy Award winning action director and stuntman Vic Armstrong, animation supervisor Peta Zayley from Moving Picture Company who helped create The Jungle Book, Guardians of the Galaxy, TV presenter Mark Horton, music composer Heather Fenoughty and casting director Jane Anderson.

Results will be announced on July 3 and entrants will receive Winner, Finalist or I took part in digital award certificates, as well as having their productions premiered online.

If you haven’t made a film before or do not have the necessary equipment, online resources full of useful information are available through the website as well as links to opportunities with sponsors.

Visit the website filmcompetition.org.uk to find out more.