A NORTHERN suburbs Year 8 student’s short film is among the top 10 finalists in the 2022 Youth Choices Film Competition.
A joint initiative between Constable Care Foundation (CCF) and WA Police, the annual Youth Choices Film Competition challenges secondary students to creatively explore a specific issue.
The theme for this years’ competition invited teens to explore the complicated issue of gaming and online addiction.
Erica Massey from Quinns Baptist College in Mindarie wrote, directed, produced, filmed, edited and acted in her short film Words Hurt, which CCF said effectively showcased the risks and impacts of online use.
Quinns Baptist College media teacher Rosie Bright said Erica had taken on all the responsibility of getting the project off the ground herself.
She said Erica was incredibly driven and talented.
“What is amazing about Erica making it into the top 10 is that she is competing against students who are much older with more experience,’’ she said.
“When Erica said she wanted to make a film for the Constable Care competition I was excited for her but the timing meant that she would need to work on it independently as it was so close to the Year 12 ATAR films to be finalised and submitted for their WACE practical exams.’’
But she told Erica she would support her anyway she could and said her top Year 8 media student just ran with it.
“She had a script written and all her shots planned within a week or two of entering the competition.
“She filmed after school on days that I ran media tutoring so that she could have access to the school filming equipment and she completely organised the rest.
“I was surprised how little help she needed from me – literally just making sure that she could use the equipment and that was all.
“I am so proud of Erica and her accomplishments and I cannot wait to see what she makes next.’’
CCF chief executive officer David Gribble said gaming and online addiction was on the rise and the Youth Choices Film Competition provided an opportunity for young people to explore the complex subject matter.
Gaming disorder is now classified as an official medical condition by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mr Gribble said this coupled with alarming stats convincingly proving online and screen addiction were on the rise worldwide, make the topic an important one to address.
“Through the Youth Choices Film Competition, we aim to empower entrants by providing them with a safe and meaningful platform to collaborate and creatively convey their ideas,’’ he said.
“We hope this will stimulate constructive discussions about difficult issues like gaming and online addiction and lead to solutions,” he continued.
CAF said each year the Youth Choices Film Competition attracted hundreds of inspired entries from secondary students across Western Australia.
Supported by the Commissioner for Young People, the competition was judged by a panel of communications professionals.
The top three student films will be announced at an awards ceremony in November with the student filmmakers sharing in a prize pool of more than $5000.
The Student Choice award – supported by the Commissioner for Children and Young People – is now open for voting with voting closing on Monday, November 7.
Secondary students are encouraged to get behind their peers and vote for their favourite film via social media.
Constable Care Foundation’s suite of award-winning Youth Choices films can be found at: www.constablecare.com.au/program/secondary/youth-choices-film
