The CinefestOZ Schools Program in Broome, which took place from October 24th to October 27th, has just wrapped up its second year, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and creativity for students from year 3 to 12! This unique event is all about engaging students in the world of film, educating them about the art of storytelling through cinema and providing them with a hands-on experience that could shape the next generation of filmmakers. The program had over 400 students actively participating in this educational extravaganza ensuring that kids of all ages had a chance to interact with various aspects of filmmaking. Incursions took place at five different schools, as far reaching as the remote primary school in Lombodina, with the involvement of filmmakers Marlanie Haraewa, Zac James and CinefestOZ Koorda Kelton Pell, who offered invaluable insights into the art of filmmaking.
This year the program offered a diverse range of activities and workshops to its young participants including acting, stunt training, Foley production, and even Claymation. They were also given unique access to Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, allowing them to explore immersive experiences. A silent cinema featuring seven short Indigenous films provided an additional window into the world of film.
The heart of the program lies in its mission to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Students not only learned from professional filmmakers but were also encouraged to explore their creative talents. These workshops and activities are sure to have left a lasting mark on the young minds, who were not just engaged but actively inspired to explore the possibilities of storytelling through film.
While the program has just concluded its second year, it has already been very well received in the local community. CinefestOZ Community Manager Gabrielle Whirledge hopes to build on this success and increase engagement in the coming years, stating “The long-term goal is to inspire young people to engage in storytelling, and explore the new technologies that can be used in film, as well as other industries. We look forward to them contributing to the growth of the Australian film industry by promoting local voices and faces on Australian screens.”
At CinefestOZ and Goolarri Media, we’d like to extend an enormous thank you to the Hawaiian Group, Cable Beach Club for their support of our Schools Program. Without their support this incredible program wouldn’t have been possible.
By providing unique access to industry experts, immersive experiences, and the tools needed to bring stories to life, the program is shaping young minds and helping to secure the future of Australian film.
We are also thrilled to announce that the 2024 Cinesnaps Short Film Competition theme is ‘FRAMED.’ Keep your eye on the next generation of budding West Australian filmmakers through this competition!
If you want to be part of this inspiring journey, stay tuned for the next edition of the CinefestOZ Schools Program in Broome and beyond and let’s celebrate the power of storytelling of our young people.