Film Awards highlight threats to marine ecosystem

Film Awards highlight threats to the world’s most pristine marine ecosystem

The Last Ocean Charitable Trust will announce the winners of the Last Ocean Online Short Film Competition at an awards ceremony this Thursday, 15th September 2011 at Antarctic House, Christchurch.

Filmmakers, politicians, press and members of the Antarctic community have been invited to view the winning films and celebrate the creativity of young filmmakers exploring the wonders of the Ross Sea Antarctica, the world’s most pristine marine ecosystem.

Entrants were asked to produce a short film (30 sec - 5min) that explores “Why the Ross Sea, Antarctica is special”, and were given online access to over 70 clips from top New Zealand cameraman Peter Young and acclaimed NHNZ Moving Images.

“We were looking for compelling short films highlighting the values of the Ross Sea and why it is worth protecting,” said Peter Young, who shot footage on a voyage to Antarctica in 2007. Young is currently working on a feature documentary, “The Last Ocean”, to raise awareness about the Ross Sea.

The completed films were uploaded to YouTube and posted into an online screening room for viewing by the public and a panel of screen-industry judges: documentary maker Alison Balance, actor Peter Elliott, and television host Erin Simpson. The judges have been impressed with the calibre and diversity of entries. Award-winning wildlife filmmaker Alison Balance said of the entries: “What a great collection of films! Really diverse, and interesting. It was a pleasure to watch them, and difficult to judge them.”

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs including a cruise to the sub-Antarctic islands valued at NZ$4,000, sponsored by Heritage Expeditions. A weekend for two in Wellington, cameras, t-shirts and cash are also on offer.

The Last Ocean Charitable Trust advocates for the protection of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, identified by scientists as one of the most pristine pieces of ocean left on Earth. Once only the realm of intrepid scientists and explorers, the region is now under threat from a commercial fishing fleet including New Zealand interests. The Trust hopes that the short film competition will foster interest and understanding of the pressures facing the Ross Sea.

The event is being held during Conservation Week at Antarctic House, Christchurch, the offices of Heritage Expeditions. Winners and finalists will be announced from 6.00pm and posted on the Last Ocean website and other social media later that evening.

ends

© Scoop Media