In an effort to promote creativity amongst youths in the country, the Kula Film Awards this year is now open to those that have left school.

While launching the event last week, Fiji Audio Visual Commission Chairperson, Sharon Smith-Johns reveals this year they have included a category for youths with a keen interest in film-making so that they can carry on with their interest in film-making even though they have left school.

John-Smith said that the Open Category, which is for amateur film makers, will see the eventual winner walking home with one thousand dollars in cash.

For this year, a total of 52 entries have been received for both the film category as well as the Bollywood dance category.

These schools will get training from the USP Oceania Center as well as the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

The annual Kula Film Awards started in 2006 targeting young people interested in the creative arts as a career.

As part of the build-up to the Awards night, representatives of the local audio visual industry will provide technical assistance to all participants in areas such as film editing.

The Awards night will be held on the 10th of July.