A new short film competition is offering some isolation inspiration, encouraging young filmmakers to express their ideas for a sustainable future in Canberra.
SEE-Change received funding from the ACT Government’s Community Zero Emissions Grants Program to run the short film competition and festival, Future Film, which is designed for young people and has the theme of Reimagining Canberra’s Future.
SEE-Change executive officer Maddie Diamond said the competition is about providing a “different kind of platform for people to engage with sustainability and climate change”.
Participants are encouraged to create awareness of sustainable solutions and technology in use now, or explore their own unique solutions for the future, through a 2-7 minute film in any form – documentary, animation, comedy, etc.
“We have provided ideas about what people might want to explore but I really hope that people take it into their own hands and make it their own.”
Ms Diamond said the films don’t have to be award-winning quality, rather they want to see people put in the research to a sustainable solution and communicate that effectively.
“A lot of people will have to make this in their backyard with the current [COVID-19] situation so they will have to be more creative with less resources,” she said. “We don’t want people to feel that because their original idea can’t happen anymore they are not good enough … as long as they are eligible on the guidelines, it will still be considered. Don’t doubt what you can make because of the restrictions.”
For those keen to participate but unsure where to start, Ms Diamond said they are also providing a free mentoring program with local filmmakers; however, limited spots are available.
“We have about 18 spots people can sign up for and get some mentoring about how to make a film,” she said. Mentoring will be via phone, email or video call.
There are five age categories for the Future Film Festival from Kindergarten – Year 3 category through to 18-25 Years category with prizes up for grabs as well as the winners having their films screened at the Canberra Short Film Festival (subject to change).
“It might seem like a big age range but all young people are facing the same challenges of what we are going to face with climate change,” Ms Diamond said.
Free to enter, entries close on 21 June. For more information visit see-change.org.au/futurefilm
For more:
