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LoopTT – Entries now open for ‘Very Short Shorts’ mobile film competition

The Environmental Film Festival’s Green Screen is now accepting entries for the ‘Very Short Shorts’ mobile film competition.

In a statement, the organisation said this year’s theme is ‘The New Normal’ and focuses on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020 Green Screen is proud to present the third edition of its micro shorts mobile film competition called “Very Short Shorts”.”

“The theme this year is “The New Normal”. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still difficult to fully measure. What we know for sure is that its impacts will continue to be felt for many years to come.”

“These impacts will be felt by us as individuals, communities and countries, affecting almost every facet of our lives. It is safe to say that how we travel, what and how we eat and even how we socialize have changed, perhaps forever.”

“The Very Short Shorts Competition has partnered with the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance to present the #Plantyuhroots category this year.  It is our local response to a regional movement to mobilize youth and people around climate action and environmental awareness by planting ONE MILLION trees by 2021 throughout the entire Caribbean.”

The 3rd edition of this Green Screen competition will be open to the general public in four categories:

  1. Overall Jury Winner (All ages) with a $12,000 TTD prize courtesy The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC)
  2. Youth Jury Winner (12 to 25 years) with a prize of $5,000 TTD
  3. The People’s Choice Award (All Ages) with a $3,000 TTD prize courtesy the Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL)
  4. #PlantYuhROOTS Category (12 to 25 years) where submissions must be focused on issues related to tree planting and agriculture. The competition will be open to filmmakers of all levels of experience.

“Tree planting has long been seen as an effective means to sequester carbon and to mitigate against climate impacts.”

“For this competition participants will explore the benefits of planting trees even as we struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. What benefits can the Caribbean region enjoy from tree planting and reforestation?”

Competition Guidelines:

  • Films must be shot entirely on a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, go-pro or any combination of these) in HD video. Submissions will be limited to a length of 60 seconds, not including credits. Participants will be allowed any number of submissions. Submissions will be accepted online only via FilmFreeway.com.
  • Films will be disseminated via social media
  • Winning films will be selected by a Green Screen Jury, with the exception of People’s Choice determined by public voting.
  • Competition Open Date: June 5, 2020.  Closing Date:  August 31, 2020.

For the purpose of guidance, the organizers suggest films address one or more of the following issues, but are not limited to these issues only, provided the story is connected to the theme –

  1. Energy Efficiency and Security
  2. Food Security and Agriculture
  3. Transportation
  4. Technology and Communication

The Overall Jury Prize will be presented by NGC with a cash prize of TT$12,000.

The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by SWMCOL to the tune of TT$3,000.

The #PlantYuhROOTS category, presented in association with the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance attracts a TT$6,000 prize courtesy the Garden Club of T&T.

Carver Bacchus, Founder and Director of the Green Screen Festival said everyone is welcome to share their vision.

“We’re hearing a lot about this New Normal. But, what does it really mean? For us, it presents an opportunity to build or rebuild systems, institutions, spaces and businesses to better serve people and improve lives. We are hoping to inspire filmmakers to explore the many possibilities that lay before us now. What kind of world do we want? These are the ideas I’d like to see explored in these 1-minute pieces. And almost everyone has the only equipment required to shoot one – a smartphone.”

The Environmental Film Festival features the top local, regional and international films that highlight crucial environmental issues.

Green Screen is a production of Sustain T&T, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to highlighting issues of environmental conservation, renewable energy, climate change, social justice and sustainable development.

This year the festival is possible through the support of Lead Sponsor The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) and Supporting Sponsor Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL).

See 2019 Winners at the links below:

Overall Jury Winner 2019, EDEN EATEN

People’s Choice Winner 2019, ANOTHER MAN

Youth Jury Winner 2019, COMPOST IT