A closer look at the Childnet Film Competition
As part of Childnet’s work in the UK Safer Internet Centre, we recently launched the Childnet Film Competition 2018. This year we are asking young people to create a short film to educate their peers about online safety, with a focus on the theme: ‘Connect with respect – a better internet starts with us!’
What is the Childnet Film Competition?
Since 2009 Childnet have run an annual film competition open to all schools and youth organisations in the UK. The Childnet Film Competition invites young people aged 7-18 to take on the challenge of creating a short film about internet safety.
The competition gives young people the opportunity to harness their creativity and share their understanding of online safety issues. These films are then used in schools across the UK to help teach about online safety.
The six films which are the most engaging, creative and which deliver the online safety messages the best will be shortlisted for the final. These six shortlisted entries (3 from secondary, 3 from primary) are then judged by an expert panel who decide who will take home the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies.
Introducing the judges
We are very excited to announce the 2018 Childnet Film Competition judges! Returning to judge this year’s competition are:
- David Austin OBE – Chief Executive, British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
- Joanna van der Meer – Film Tutor and Family Learning Programmer, BFI Southbank
- Catherine McAllister – Lead for online safety and Head of Safeguarding in the Children’s department, BBC
Joining us as a judge for the first time is Lisa Prime, Children’s Events Programmer at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Lisa told us what she is looking forward to about being a Childnet Film Competition judge:
As someone working with children and the media industry, and as a parent of a teenager, internet safety is a major concern of mine. I am really interested to see the different interpretations of the theme, it’s always fascinating to see the variety of viewpoints when everyone starts from the same position. I’m looking for strong messaging, originality and a film that will challenge me and stay in my memory.
The finalist’s event
At the end of the competition is the finalist’s event. This is where the shortlisted entrants in each category come together at the BFI, watch their films on the big screen, and find out who is taking home the first, second and third-place prizes.
Who has won in the past?
Each year we see a great variety of entrants and winners. From stop motion animation and cartoons, to dramas and news reports, there have been some amazingly creative films!
Key dates
If you have any questions you can see a full list of Film Competition FAQs or email film@Childnet.com.