It’s rare to find a film competition that incorporates a superb brief with an unmissable prize and also works towards helping to eradicate poverty, hunger and issues of injustice in some of the world’s poorest countries.
But the Ctrl.Alt.Shift Short Film Competition has managed all of the above. Ctrl.Alt.Shift, the community for passionate and outspoken individuals, is encouraging aspiring filmmakers to submit unique and interesting treatments for a short film on one of these three topics: HIV + Stigma, War + Peace or Gender + Power.
It’s entirely up to you how you decide to deal with these topics, but be sure to make your ideas clear, thought provoking and different. The submitted treatments should be separated into three sections. The first is the treatment itself, which should clearly outline your idea in no more that 300 words; the second should give comprehensive details about the approach you’ll take in terms of planning, shooting and the general production of your film if it was shot over a 10 week period (no more than 500 words here); and finally you get the chance to brag about any previous films, scripts or productions you’ve worked on, as well as your individual skills and vision.
And the prize? Well, if you’re chosen as one of the five winners, then you’ll be teamed up with your very own director mentor, who will guide you through the production of your film, teaching you vital filmmaking know-how along the way and helping you bring your vision to the screen.
The list of mentors could not be more fascinating, nor their individual successes more iconic. Here are the directors involved in the project:
Noel Clark
Clark received huge acclaim for his 2006 film Kidulthood, which exposed the lives of school kids growing up on the streets of London and surviving its often harsh lessons.
Shynola
This revered group of visual artists is based in London. They are renowned music video directors, but have also had feature film success with their graphics work on the adaptation of Douglas Adam’s Hitchiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.
Saam Farahmand
A well respected music video director who was named the sixth most important person driving music forward by NME. Farahmand released his debut feature in 2008 titled Part of the Weekend Never Dies.
Kinga Burza
A rapidly up-and-coming director who has recently worked with Kate Nash and Katy Perry on their music videos.
Paul Andrew Williams
The winner of the Best New Director award in 2007 at the Edinburgh Film Festival for the brilliant London to Brighton. Williams’ latest work is The Cottage, released in 2008.
Not only will you and your film be under the wing of these filmmakers, but you will also get it scored by the best that modern music has to offer. Young Knives, Shy Child, Metronomy, Jasca Hoop, Chipmunk and The Thirst will all produce the score that will bring your film to life. This is a fantastic chance at getting an amazing insight into the film industry and make some great contacts.
The closing date for submissions is January 31, so there’s not long left. If you can see yourself behind the camera by the side of the freshest talent the UK has to offer, then get thinking and make it happen.
Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a part of Christian Aid, and with your help and creativity, your films could help spread the awareness of desperately urgent issues and bring hope to some less fortunate people.
To enter, visit the official site and follow the submission details.
