Fledgling filmmakers
Winners announced for 14th ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth competition
The ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, a festival of film, video and media for youth, announced its award winners for the ViewFinders Youth Film Competition. Forty-six youth-made short films were showcased in the red-carpet screenings that took place in Halifax Saturday. Award winners included one young filmmaker from P.E.I. – Logan Fulford of Stanhope, who brought home the Best Drama Runner Up Prize for his film “Wrath of God.” Leading the competition was Spencer Hetherington of Saint John, N.B., who captured both the People’s Choice and Best Drama First Place prizes with his film “Relic”. He was also awarded the first place prize for Best Documentary for his other entry, “The Water Witch”.
This year’s jury was made up of members of the Atlantic Canadian film community, including Tori Fleming, Cory Bowles, and Gwyneth Christoffel. Awards were presented by Christoffel and Wayne Carter, executive director of the Atlantic Film Festival Association. “Each year the entire team is astounded at the level of films being realized by Atlantic Canadian youth,” said Wayne Carter. “These films are now going on to showings in other festivals around the globe and the creators are continuing on to careers in filmmaking. “The Youth Film Competition has become one of the most important events we do outside the September Festival each year.” ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth began as a weeklong film festival for young people and their families in 2002. Since then it has grown into an Atlantic Canada-wide youth initiative that brings the Atlantic Film Festival experience to school groups and communities across the region. Each year ViewFinders presents the best in regional, national and international films for youth, tackling issues from multiculturalism and community to sustainability and creativity.
The program’s activities introduce students to the world of filmmaking through handson media workshops. The ViewFinders Youth Film Competition provides a platform for young filmmakers - a launch pad for the next generation of talent.