Celebrating Creativity in Film

Two MLC student filmmakers have earned recognition for their outstanding VCE Media projects, showcasing creativity, technical skill and powerful storytelling.

Congratulations to Year 11 student Hannah and Year 12 student Clara, whose films produced as part of their VCE Media studies have been recognised in prestigious student competitions. Both students were selected as finalists and had their work screened at ACMI, a wonderful achievement that highlights the creativity, dedication and technical expertise behind their projects.

Hannah's music video, Pirouettes and Perfumes, was a finalist in the Best Music Video: Music on Screen category at the Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Awards. The film tells the fictional story of an injured dancer who reflects on childhood memories while searching for a deeper understanding of who she is.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her project, Hannah said:

"Pirouettes and Perfumes was based off the idea that as we grow up, and life becomes more complicated and stressful, it can be all too easy to lose touch with who we are as a person, which makes it so hard to make decisions when it comes to your future."

For VCE Media teacher Victoria Giummarra, Hannah's success was the result of both creative vision and thoughtful collaboration.

"Hannah knew she wanted to make a music video and reached out to some fellow student musicians and songwriters at MLC, working with them to commission an original song about her chosen story.”

“Hannah also spent a lot of time perfecting the production design of her video, including costume choice, location scouting and lighting each scene to achieve the desired emotion."

^{Hannah and her friends at the ACMI event}

Clara's short film, Beneath the Grey, was named a finalist in the Year 12 category of the Independent Schools Victoria Arts Learning Festival. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows a young person who begins to ‘see’ in a world where seeing is forbidden.

For Clara, being recognised for her work was an exciting and rewarding experience.

“Having the opportunity to share my work and have it recognised at this level means a lot to me. Film has always been something I'm incredibly passionate about, so it's really special to see a project I've put so much time and creativity into receive this recognition. I'm grateful to everyone who supported me throughout the process."

Ms Giummarra praised Clara's commitment to developing both her storytelling and technical skills.

"Clara has always been interested in dystopian films and series. She had experimented with working in this genre in previous Media courses, meaning she had a good idea of what would be effective and could clearly envision what she wanted her project to look like.”

“In making her film, Clara pushed her technical skills further, learning how to use editing software to isolate colour, which was a key feature of her story."

^{Clara at the Independent Schools Victoria film festival}

Their achievements also highlight the opportunities available through VCE Media, one of the many pathways available to students as they shape a senior program around their strengths and interests.

Asked why students might choose to study VCE Media, Ms Giummarra said:

"VCE Media is a wonderfully diverse and dynamic subject that allows students to explore their creativity and express their ideas using visual, audio and technical tools. Students have a lot of freedom with what they make and how they do it, meaning that much of their Media work can be tailored to each individual's preferred interests and skills."

VCE Media students also have the opportunity to share their work with family and friends on the big screen at MLC's annual screening night at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, a much-loved tradition that celebrates student creativity and storytelling.

Hannah attended many of these screenings before beginning her own VCE Media journey and said the experience inspired her to pursue the subject.

"I found it really inspiring to see all the other projects that people had made over the years, and it inspired me to put everything into my project and make it something I could be proud of."

We congratulate Hannah and Clara on this outstanding recognition and look forward to seeing where their passion for filmmaking takes them next.

^{A still from Clara's film Beneath the Grey}

^{Header image: A still from Hannah's film, Pirouettes and Perfumes.}