Wanted: Films with fresh young views on sustainability

Young NZers are being given their say on sustainability with The Outlook for Someday film challenge for 2008 launched nationwide recently.

Now in its second year, the challenge for anyone up to 20 years is to make a short film. It can be any length up to five minutes.

“We don’t want to tell them how to make their movie. It can be filmed on a mobile phone or using a full-blown crew. It can be drama, documentary, animation, music video, advertisement, video blog, reality tv or even a new genre altogether,” said David Jacobs, director of The Outlook for Someday.

“What matters to us is that it is a fresh take on sustainability. We’re looking for creative ideas and clear viewpoints.”

The 20 winning films – selected by a panel of judges who work in film and television, education and youth development – will be broadcast on TVNZ6 Family on Freeview later this year.

A documentary is also planned, featuring some of the winning films.

Information and an entry form are on the project website at www.theoutlookfor
someday.net, where young people are asked: “What does sustainability mean for the world and for you? What does it mean for your community or neighbourhood? What do you want to say about it?”

Information about the film challenge will also be available through all intermediate and secondary schools and all relevant tertiary institutions.

The entry deadline is 19th September.

In the first year of The Outlook for Someday the 20 winning films came from throughout NZ from film-makers aged nine to 20. Tackling both global and local issues they ranged from a rap music video to an advertisement from the 22nd Century.

The films were broadcast on TVNZ6 Family. Five of them were also featured in a documentary on Maori Television in which the film-makers showed their films to some of NZ’s most influential people, including Prime Minister Helen Clark and Leader of the Opposition John Key.

The Outlook for Someday is a partnership between Connected Media, The Enviroschools Foundation and the Global Education Centre (Project Partners) and TVNZ6 Family (Screen Partner).

The principal sponsor of The Outlook for Someday in 2008 is the Ministry for the Environment.

“We know the majority of NZers say they would like to do more to help the environment, but don’t know where to go for practical information on the things they could do,” said Martyn Pinckard, senior manager, household sustainability programme, Ministry for the Environment.

“We are pleased to be partnering again with Connected Media on The Outlook for Someday. It is a great opportunity for young people to have their say on what sustainability means for them in a fun and creative way.”

Other project sponsors are The Body Shop NZ, The Church Design and the Sustainable Business Network.

Project supporters are NZ Post, iServe, South Seas Film & Television School, Untouched World, Trade Aid and tv/e.