Get creative for film competition

South West high school students with a talent for filmmaking are encouraged to interpret the theme “The Watch” for the sixth Cinesnaps Short Film Competition.

Filmmakers aged 15 to 18 can work as individuals or in teams of up to six to produce a three-to-five-minute film, with entry packs available from December 1.

The competition is part of CinefestOZ’s Community Schools Program, supported by Rio Tinto, which includes school excursions, professional development for teachers and masterclasses with industry professionals.

The competition will culminate with judging by Australian film industry heavyweights in front of more than 200 guests at a youth red carpet screening during the 2019 CinefestOZ Festival.

Manea Senior College Year 12 student Jaxon D’Ath said after entering for a number of years, it was a dream come true to not only become a finalist, but the runner-up of this year’s competition with his film Mirror Dimension.

“I said to my mum, even if I win or get runner-up, it would just be the icing on the cake – being there for the night is what it is all about,” he said.

“Having everyone there and presenting your film, it was a great night.

“You don’t make a film for yourself, you make it for other people and I don’t think there are any other opportunities like it in the South West.”

Jaxon encouraged all eligible students to get involved regardless of their skill level.

“Even with zero filmmaking experience, just enter it,” he said. “You never know – you might have something the judges see that you don’t see in yourself.”

He said it was a great opportunity to collaborate and make new like-minded friends, and hoped to step into a mentoring role next year.