BUDDING directors will have the chance to show off their skills behind the camera at the fourth Rec Ya Shorts Film Festival.
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Won by Tamworth High School last year, the festival sees more than 70 school film-making and mental health workshops in regional NSW.
Tamworth Family Support Services business development manager Leigh Smith said they got behind the festival again this year to extend mental health education offerings.
“It’s crucial for all youth, the more opportunities we can give them the better they will be in future for themselves and the community,” she said.
“Mental health is rather a large issue that doesn’t seem to be going away,” he said.
“We’re going to go along to the mental health education sessions to show kids another place to go when they need help.”
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This year there is $40,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
The six-minute short films have to be themed around the concept of ‘Escape’, and the signature item this year is a ‘Sign’ – students can interpret that how they wish.
Judged by the film makers behind award-winning comedy That’s Not Me, Alice Foulcher and Greg Erdstein will select the short film finalists to screen at the Nextwave Youth Film Awards at the Screenwave International Film Festival in Coffs Harbour.
It’s a great place to meet like-minded people, and after spending all that time making my film to have it seen on a massive screen – it’s just awesome.
- Blaise Borrer
Winner of Best Director and Best Scriptwriter last year, Blaise Borrer is now studying at the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Sydney.
“On a general scale I found that when REC Ya Shorts came around it opened up doors to other festivals, to get festival experience and be introduced to the film festival world,” Mr Borrer said.
“It’s a great place to meet like-minded people, and after spending all that time making my film to have it seen on a massive screen – it’s just awesome.”
Winning films from the REC Ya Shorts’ 2018 competition will be offered to regional theatres and community organisations around Regional Australia to screen next April for 2019’s National Youth Week celebrations.
The submission deadline is September 24, entries are open to students aged 12 to 25. Visit screenwave.com.au/recyashorts for information.