Students show ‘respect’ on film

Students show 'respect' on film

Registrations are now open for Screen It 2011, the national competition for school-aged filmmakers run annually by the Australian Centrefor the Moving Image (ACMI).

This year's theme, 'Respect', provides a valuable trigger for students and teachers to investigate topical issues while learning filmmakingtechniques along the way.

Registration is completely free and can be made online from today.

The competition is open to anyone enrolled in primary or secondary education and students can enter through their school or independently.Entries can be live-action films, computer games or animations, but must incorporate the theme.

ACMI's Screen Education Manager, Brett McLennan, says that ACMI is fostering both a new generation of young filmmakers and respectfulcitizens through Screen It.

"Screen It aims to support the next generation of creative, innovative students who are able to produce and manipulate digital media inpowerful and evocative ways," he said.

"This year's theme will resonate with Australian students, many of whom are already investigating the concept of respect and may beaware of discussions in the mainstream media."

Entries may investigate what it means to respect ourselves, friends, family and community, consider respect in different environments suchas the playground and online, and may also look at how a lack of respect effects individuals and society."By encouraging students to understand and practise respect, we are equipping a generation of young Australians for bright futures," saidBrett.

Unlike other student film competitions, Screen It is designed to provide rich education outcomes for participants with comprehensiveeducation packs provided to assist in the production process. Teachers registering their students are encouraged to download the EducationKit written by ACMI's team of experienced educators.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, winners will be presented at an awards ceremony in December, each receiving a certificate, a trophyand a DVD prize pack courtesy of Madman Entertainment. The primary and secondary school with the Best Overall Entries will each beawarded a special prize for the school. In addition, the winning entries will be added to the Australian Mediatheque collection where visitorsto ACMI can view moving image works on demand.

The 2010 Screen It competition attracted 256 entries by over 940 students nationwide.

Entries for 2011 close on Friday 16 September.

Students and teachers from across Australia can register online now: www.acmi.net.au/screenitA frequently asked questions page has been set up to assist students and teachers. Please visit: www.acmi.net.au/screen_it_faq.htm


Screen It 2011 key dates:
Friday 16 September - Registrations and receipt of entries close
Monday 7 November - Winners announced
Friday 2 December - Screen It 2011 Awards Ceremony