With one in five young Australians affected by cyberbullying, leading film makers and celebrities have come together for an Australian-first mobile phone film project, known as the REELise Film Festival.
The aim is to turn what is often a cyberbully’s weapon of choice, the mobile phone, into an instrument of empowerment.
The REELise Film Festival is open for 12-18 year olds, and runs from 1st December to 14th February next year.
The key requirements of an entry is that the film must be captured on mobile phone, be no more than 3 minutes in length and address the theme of ‘Unspoken Feelings’.
Students are able to call on the expert help of the REELise mentors, including some of Australia’s most innovative and inspiring filmmakers and scriptwriters such as Rowan Woods, Jacquelin Perske and Adrian Rostirolla.
The idea was the brainchild of Rose Bay Police Youth Liaison Officer, Constable Yasmin London who is more recently known as a dancing YouTube sensation and Karen Hamilton, REELise Program & Festival Director, who have both experienced the adverse effects of cyberbullying on youth first hand.
“Cyberbullying is one of the biggest issues facing youth today with one in five young Australians affected,” says Constable Yasmin London.
The REELise Ambassador is Charlotte Dawson who also experienced the torments of cyberbullying.
“I’m very proud to be the REELise ambassador having experienced first-hand the emotional pain caused from cyberbullying,” she said.
“Cyberbullying is a growing social problem which affects people of all ages, especially children."
Charlotte says she hopes young people see the REELise Film Festival as an opportunity to turn the tables on cyberbullying and be inspired to be part of positive change.
Register an individual or a school as entrants in the REELise Film Festival here. To be part of the film mentoring program, register by 13th September as mentoring starts on 23rd September.
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