I’ve recently found out about a film competition taking place over the next couple of months which I have been asked to promote. There are now huge amounts of festivals and competitions, locally, nationally, internationally, and often online. What I think it particularly nice about this one is its focus on health from a slightly different perspective. I’ve made a number of films that have focused on patients’ experiences and I find it fascinating – it’s so personal, fundamental and touches us all in some way. The fact that this is being judged by a bit of a hero of mine, the Director Ken Loach, is even more fantastic! So, onto the details! Let me know if you apply!
Want to make films? Industry professionals to judge YOUR short film on illness, wellness, madness, or anything else about bodies and minds
*Now open for submissions*
Judges include Ken Loach and David Morrissey. Deadline 28 May 2010.
Who can enter?
Open to all. £100 first prizes in the under-18 and the over-18 categories + 2 x £50 runner up prizes + £100 special educational prize.
What kinds of films?
We want films that show just what sickness, healthiness, madness and addiction mean to you and the people you love. Show us what you feel strongly about. Eating disorders, chronic pain, embarrassing illnesses, scary diagnoses, staying fit, caring for others – all of these, and more, are possible subjects. We definitely don’t need films on policy-related health issues, e.g. the NHS.
Submissions will be used to help student doctors understand how their patients really feel about health, sickness and treatment – the film that does this best wins the £100 special educational prize.
Films should be between 20 seconds and 5 minutes long.
All genres accepted: fiction, documentary, experimental, animated, musical… Films do not have to be documentaries about real individuals, doctors, nurses, hospitals, GP surgeries etc (although they can be if people get permission).
All mediums accepted e.g. mobile phone, super-8, iFlip, digital camera, 35mm, 70mm(!). But entries need to be on DVD or submitted digitally via our website (see http://www.reelhealthstories.com/How_to.html).
See http://www.reelhealthstories.com/advice3.html for example films, but we bet you can do better!
Who are the judges?
Director Ken Loach, actor/director David Morrissey, movie producer Camille Gatin, and UCL Director of Medical Education Professor Jane Dacre.
When will the films be screened?
Screening is at the Rowan Arts Project’s ‘The Big Day Out’ in Whittington Park on Sunday 4th July 2010, and at UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus in October 2010.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Reel Health Stories website; Facebook: Facebook; twitter: @reelhealthstory.
Project lead Dr Katherine Woolf 020 7288 3546 or filmfestival@ucl.ac.uk.