Community-minded young people in Westbury have won a major competition sponsored by BT to make films highlighting issues of concern where they live.
Matravers School is one of only two Wiltshire winners and has won £1,000 and professional film production support with their submission, a documentary which tackles the issue of child carers.
They also qualify for up to £5,000 and help from Unltd., a charity which supports social entrepreneurs, to turn their ideas into a community project.
The ‘Big Voice’ competition, which is one of three education programmes run by BT linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, posed two thought-provoking questions for entrants. They were: If you could change one thing in your neighbourhood, what would it be? And what could you do to change it?
The winners will receive support to bring their ideas to life in front of the camera from a team of film students from one of four film schools; the National Film and Television School, University of Brighton, Canterbury Christ-church University and the University for the Creative Arts.
The films will be screened on giant London 2012 Live Site screens all over the UK during spring 2012. The film will also be shown on the screen at Wharf Green, Swindon.
The top films from across the UK will be chosen to go through to the final stage of the competition – an Oscars-style ceremony to announce the UK winners just before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games begin.
Jon Reynolds, BT’s South West regional director, said: “We’ve been really impressed by the work of all the contestants, but particularly the entries we’ve selected to turn into films.
“It’s inspiring to see young people tackle the issues that matter to them and express themselves so passionately and creatively. The power of communication to address vital issues and make a difference in our communities is key to social cohesion and I wish all the contestants lots of luck in the future.”
