Project Paradiso - Young Film Academy

Project Paradiso is a prestige project from Young Film Academy (YFA), offering a select group of YFA’s most promising students aged 16-20 the chance to create a stunning short film in a cinematic location in Sicily, Italy.

This ambitious not-for-profit project unites educational training with a real-world film industry opportunity – offering participants the experience of a lifetime.

DONATE TO PROJECT PARADISO 2025

– 2024 PROJECT PARADISO FILM –

‘STRINGS’ SYNOPSIS:

Sally joins a dream summer trip to Sicily with her childhood bestie Poppy, hoping to re-connect before they start university. Confronted with Poppy’s volatile new friend Alex, Sally is strangely drawn to the traditional puppets decorating their villa, and the strings that bind the two friends threaten to rip them apart.

LEARN MORE ABOUT 'STRINGS'

– 2023 PROJECT PARADISO FILM –

‘LEMONS’ SYNOPSIS:

In the wake of their Sicilian grandmother’s passing, cousins Lou, Miles, and Hunter embark on a nostalgic journey to recreate her cherished lemonade recipe. However, as they grapple with their personal ambitions and uncertain futures, their bond is tested as they are forced to confront their individual paths in life.

WATCH 'LEMONS'

LEARN MORE ABOUT 'LEMONS'

For Project Paradiso, YFA selects 21 students (aged 16-20) to join specific departments. Each participant is responsible for raising a portion of the budget.

Guided by YFA staff, talented writing students craft a compelling script for the actors and filmmakers to bring to life.

The filmmaking and acting students join YFA staff in Sicily to shoot the film, against the majestic backdrop of Mount Etna.

“Project Paradiso was a life changing experience for me. Being able to work on such a unique programme with likeminded, talented and creative individuals is an opportunity unlike any other. Being selected for this project was a really empowering feeling, as if validating my love and enjoyment of making films. Project Paradiso was a taste of the industry. Now I feel prepared to enter it in full force, and, particularly working as a 1st AD, with the management skills and confidence required for such a role.“

– Project Paradiso 2023 student

After shooting wraps, the film is edited and post-produced to the highest industry standards.

YFA holds an exclusive cast and crew screening in London, in the summer.

‘Lemons’ and ‘Strings’ held their Italian premieres at the Ortigia Film Festival in July 2023 and 2024, respectively.

‘Lemons’ and ‘Strings’ have been accepted into and/or won awards at the following festivals:

‘STRINGS’ SYNOPSIS:

Sally joins a dream summer trip to Sicily with her childhood bestie Poppy, hoping to re-connect before they start university. Confronted with Poppy’s volatile new friend Alex, Sally is strangely drawn to the traditional puppets decorating their villa, and the strings that bind the two friends threaten to rip them apart.

LEARN MORE ABOUT 'STRINGS'

‘LEMONS’ SYNOPSIS:

In the wake of their Sicilian grandmother’s passing, cousins Lou, Miles, and Hunter embark on a nostalgic journey to recreate her cherished lemonade recipe. However, as they grapple with their personal ambitions and uncertain futures, their bond is tested as they are forced to confront their individual paths in life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT 'LEMONS'

We are grateful to our 2023 Bronze Level Corporate Sponsors for their support in making the dream of Project Paradiso a reality!

“I just wanted to send a huge well done and thanks to all who were involved in the making of Lemons. What a fantastic showcase. It was hugely emotional to watch it on the big screen and watch the excitement of all the youngsters who were involved.“

– Parent of Project Paradiso 2023 student

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