THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS RACE IS ON!

(Students at the SSSFF 2012 Orientation ceremony, Movie Towne)

Over 450 secondary school students and youth group members from Penal to Port of Spain, San Juan to San Fernando, Scarborough to Siparia filled Movie Towne’s largest cinema on Tuesday 27^th March for the Orientation Session of the 2012 Secondary Schools Short Film Festival (SSSFF). The Festival has expanded beyond expectations with increased student interest spanning the entire nation.

In 2012, student participation has grown by 68%: with last year’s winner, Holy Name Convent, returning to defend their title against new entrants such as Holy Cross College and Cowen Hamilton Secondary and 2010’s winner Rio Claro East Secondary also biting at their hells. The race for this year’s 16 awards is definitely ON!

Every student was beaming with excitement and each group is anxious to begin their production based on one of this year’s challenging themes: The Environment: “Making a Cleaner, Better Future”; Peace/ Social Change: “Fixing T&T”; National Identity: “My Islands, What it means to be Trinbagonian” and in commemoration of our 50^th Anniversary of Independence - Cultural Traditions/Preservation: “50 years of Culture: Preserving the T&T Legacy”.

One highlight of the Orientation was an inspiring video message from Shaun Escayg, a son of the soil, who has been the mastermind behind sequences of the Bumble Bee character from Transformers the movie, among others. Students were the first to see his newest show reel and were left in awe but definitely motivated to turn their stories into films when Mr. Escayg encouraged them to make the best films they can.

All students were encouraged to put their best ‘film-foot’ forward as it is hoped that Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic will join the programme as part of the evolution of the Festival. In this way, there will be opportunities for members from winning schools to travel to Caribbean islands and work with other young persons to express their unifying stories through film.

The TTFC and its partners, the Ministry of Education, the Division of Education of the Tobago House of Assembly, MovieTowne (festival founder) and the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival congratulate all schools and students for their commitment to the Festival and wish each the best in their endeavours. For more information on the Festival or on becoming a corporate partner / sponsor of the Festival please write to info@trinidadandtobagofilm.com

ORIENTATION HERE WE COME!

ORIENTATION HERE WE COME!

After an intense registration period for the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival, the call for submissions was closed on 16th March 2012.

After counting up the application forms, the TTFC is pleased to announce that the tally has gone up dramatically from 2011.

Over 45 schools/youth associations have registered over 60 film groups to participate in the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2012!

That totals a mind-boggling 480 students who will receive film production training over the Easter and July/August vacation!

This incredible response comes from schools from as far south as Mayaro, Point Fortin, Moruga and as far north-east as Mathura and Speyside, Tobago.

Schools and youth associations from the North and East-West corridor are also well represented. All participating students have been encouraged to ‘BRING IT!’, that is; bring their best in terms of talent, creativity and energy to the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival programme.

We look forward now to the Orientation Ceremony where all students will be briefed on the Festival process and how the rest of the Festival training will unfold.

Special guest speakers will include:

o Steven M. Taylor, Special Effects Makeup/Director (BA in Film, UWI student)

o Shaun Escayg, Director/Animation Director (Trinidad/LA)

Watch the 33 final student films from 2011 here: http://www.overtimett.com/sssf2011/

For more information on the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival visit: http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/sssff.asp

Secondary Schools Short Film Festival Launched; 2012 Themes Unveiled

Secondary Schools Short Film Festival Launched; 2012 Themes Unveiled

January 24, 2012: The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) today launched the eighth instalment of the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival (SSSFF) with an official ceremony at Movietowne POS. The event featured an address by the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Honourable Stephen Cadiz and also saw the unveiling of the new themes for 2012 and the distribution of prizes of film equipment to last year’s winning schools.

The new themes introduced by Minister of Trade & Industry Stephen Cadiz included:

• THE ENVIRONMENT: “Making a Cleaner, Better Future”
• CULTURAL TRADITIONS/PRESERVATION: “50 years of Culture: Preserving the T&T Legacy”
• NATIONAL IDENTITY: “My Islands, What it means to be Trinbagonian”
• PEACE/ SOCIAL CHANGE: “Fixing T&T"

Schools entering the Festival are required to pick one of the themes and use it to develop a five minute film feature.

The themes are a critical component of the Festival as they are used to encourage the production of TT-centric pieces that reflect national pride. Apart from the fact the richness of local culture is itself great inspiration for film features, the TTFC also uses these themes to instil greater awareness and appreciation for local culture into the young filmmakers. The themes, however, do not emanate solely from the TTFC, but are developed in consultation with the student filmmakers who are invited each year to submit ideas on the topics they would like to explore. In this way, the TTFC can be sure that the final choice of themes will resonate with the students and truly inspire their creativity.

“We view the SSSFF as a valuable training ground for young people,” stated Christopher Laird, TTFC Chairman. “We see it as an opportunity to educate and encourage them to view film as more than just an avenue for entertainment or a fun hobby but as a viable career option. The SSSFF provides them that window into one of the most exciting careers in the world.”

“In addition, technology and social media have made it so much easier to be innovative,” Mr. Laird continued. “Many young people have phones with video capabilities and websites such as YouTube are readily available for anyone to upload their creations. Because of this, filmmaking has become so much more accessible and a career in film no longer has to be a dream.”

The Festival which was pioneered by Movie Towne in 2004 has gained in popularity and participation by schools over the years and has become a highly anticipated event on the extra-curricular calendar. Last year there were 33 entries, up from 24 the year before. “We hope to have a record number of entries this year,” stated Carla Foderingham, CEO of TTFC. “Each year we receive entries for the Festival that demonstrate just how talented and creative our young people are – and some, we are happy to say, have even gone on to study film at the tertiary level. It inspires my confidence that the TT film industry has a bright and promising future.”

“We must acknowledge that this Festival is truly a team effort and the TTFC cannot do it alone,” Carla Foderingham continued. “The success of the Festival would not be possible without the assistance of parents who encourage the students; the teachers who work facilitate these competitions despite an already packed academic calendar; the film practitioners who generously offer their time expertise to mentor and train each team and the corporate sponsors whose gifts make it possible to provide schools with the resources necessary to expose countless generations of students to the world of filmmaking.”

During the event, invited guests had the opportunity to view the winning film from 2011 by Holy Name Convent and a testament to lessons learned and expressions of thanks were given by Ms. Tia Serao (Holy Name Convent, POS – Best Overall Film), Mr. Chryston Floyd (Presentation College, San Fernando – Best Actor) and Mr. Kyle Walcott (former student participant and now practicing filmmakers, Tobago).

For more information about the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival, please visit the TTFC’s website at www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com or call the TTFC at 625-FILM.

VOTE for the BPTT People's Choice NOW!

SSSFF 2011 is READY TO GO!

It's Orientation Time!

Student Filmmakers! The 2011 Secondary Schools Short Film Festival (SSSFF) is READY TO GO!

• The Trainers are ready.
• The Scripts are ready.
• The Venues are ready.

Now it's YOUR turn to get ready for the SSSFF ORIENTATION!

Venue: Movie Towne, Cinema #1
Time: 9:30 AM
Dress Code: School Uniform

For more information contact the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) at 625-FILM (3456) or info@trinidadandtobagofilm.com or secschoolfilmfestival@gmail.com.

SSSFF 2011 Web Page!

Check out the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2011 web page!

http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/sssff_11.asp

NOW OPEN! - The Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2011

Calling all students, Teachers and Principals!

The Secondary Schools Short Film Festival (SSSFF) 2011 is NOW OPEN!

All interested schools should submit scripts by the application deadline of May 6th 2011.

The Themes for this year's Festival are:

(1) Tribute to Trinidad and Tobago Legends – “Keeping Traditions Alive”
(2) Bullying – “Making our Schools Safe”
(3) Planning for My Future “Learn to Earn”
(4) Playtime – How a Child Benefits from Playing “Grow, Explore, Play”
(5) Your Health and Safety – HIV and STI’s – “Making Responsible Life Choices”.

For more information contact the TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FILM COMPANY at 625-FILM (3456) Ext 21 or info@trinidadandtobagofilm.com

Application form is online! http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com

2011 Media Launch, and Prize Giving Ceremony

The Media Launch is here!

This Wednesday 16th 2011, the winning schools from the 2010 Secondary Schools Short Film Festival will be meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) to receive their film equipment prizes!

At the same time, the TTFC will be launching the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2011 by releasing the themes for this year's competition.

2010 Winners-------------------

1. Fyzabad Secondary School, “Innocence of Death"

Award for Best Editing (Sponsored by Prestige Holdings)
Award for Best Dramatic Film (Sponsored by Papa John’s)

2. Rio Claro East Secondary, “Wake Up”

Award for Most Original Film (Sponsored by Sprite)
Award for the Best Technical Skills (Sponsored by Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Services Industries)
Award for Best Director (Sponsored by Sprite)
Award for Best Overall Film (Sponsored by First Citizens)

3. Aranguez North Secondary, “No Scene”

The Sprite Spark Award for Most Creative Film (Sponsored by Sprite)

4. SWAHA Hindu College, “H.E.L.P.”

Award for Best Story -(Sponsored by Sprite)

5. Couva West Secondary School, “Generation Gap”

Award for Best Actor – Kerwyn Alridge - (Sponsored by MovieTowne)

6. St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, “Musou ka” (Day-dreamer)

Award for Best Actress – Ornella De Graff - (Sponsored by the Ministry of Arts and
Multiculturalism)

7. Mayaro Secondary (Composite) School, “No Litter on the Lime”

Award for Best Comedic Film (Sponsored by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism)

8. St. Joseph’s Convent San Fernando, "Wharf Bacchanal"

The Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Award (Sponsored by Sprite)

Film Equipment for 2010 Winners

Attention all winners of the 2010 Secondary Schools Short Film Festival!

This is a quick update on those schools that have won in the thirteen (13) 2010 Festival categories and are entitled to sponsored film equipment. The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) has received great recommendations for film equipment needed from each winning school, and, in addition to recommendations made by your awesome Trainers, the process to bring the equipment into the country has begun!

Once the equipment arrives in Trinidad, each school will be notified and the equipment will be handed over to the school and you, the students at the launch of the 2011 Secondary Schools Short Film Festival!

Stay tuned to this blog for further details!

SSSFF 2011 is coming soon!

Official logo of the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2011.

Launch dates are coming Soon!

Student film screenings at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival 2010

The Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2010!

Be sure to catch the screenings of the student films at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival 2010!

Entrance Fee: $25.00
Special price for children in uniform: Only $5.00!

MovieTowne POS
MovieTowne CHAG
MovieTowne TOB

Winner of The Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Award!

Hey Guys!

Well, we've kept you in suspense long enough!

Congratulations to...

St. Joseph's Convent, San Fernando!

Their film, "Wharf Bacchanal" has won The Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Award!





Prizes for The Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Awards are sponsored by:

We Have a Winner!

Drum roll please!



The winner, of the Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Award, in the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2010 is......

The Sprite Spark Viewer's Choice Award!

Hello to all students!

THANK YOU to every student who participated in the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2010. We appreciate all your hard work and the effort that went into creating all of your 5 minute short films. The Awards Ceremony may be complete, but the Festival is far from over!

The final award of the Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2010 is now ready...

THE SPRITE SPARK VIEWER'S CHOICE AWARD!

Be sure to VIEW and VOTE for your favourite student film on the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival Channel!

Here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TnTSecShortFilmFest

Voting period is open till Monday 20th September 2010.

Say, "YES" to Local Music!

Hi Guys!

Most student groups should be entering the EDITING stage of their films and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) would like to reiterate the importance of selecting local music for use in your Short Films.

Here are some (of many) websites of local bands where you can take a look (and a listen) to find the perfect soundtrack for your film:

Trinidad Tunes - http://www.trinidadtunes.com/

Trinidad Music Store - http://www.trinidadmusicstore.com/

Trinidad and Tobago Rock Bands - http://www.search.co.tt/trinidad/rock/

Trinidad Soca Music - http://www.search.co.tt/trinidad/soca/index.html


More information on Copyright and "COTT" - The Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago

Dates To Remember

To All Students:

Please remember the following dates:

Date for Submission of your Short Film: Friday 3rd September2010 (before 4:00 p.m.)

Date for Judging of your Short Film: Tuesday 7th September 2010

Date of Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 15th September 2010
Location: Cinema #1, Movie Towne from 10 AM
(Please be prompt and dressed in your school uniform)

Date of Secondary School Film Festival Screenings at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival 2010: Wednesday 22nd September to Tuesday 5th October 2010.

Be sure to invite your friends and family to see your film on the 'big screen' at Movie Towne!

For more information on screenings please contact the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) at 625-FILM (3456) or the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) at 621-0709.

Almost finished!

Hello to all student groups!

Here are some photos that were received from student groups during their training sessions. If you don't see your group or your Zone, please send us your pictures a.s.a.p. to secschoolfilmfestival@gmail.com.

Make sure you are included and enjoy the following highlights!



Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Short Film Festival
Photos from SSSFF Training Sessions.

South Zone 2 Trainer: Mr. St. Bernard Marcelle

The concepts of Pre-Production, Preparation and Team Work are explained on day one of training sessions with the students from the South Zone, facilitated by Trainer, Mr. St. Bernard Marcelle.

Point Fortin Zone Trainer: Mr. Christopher Aaron


Secondary Schools Short Film Festival Trainer, Mr. Christopher Aaron works with one of the student groups from the Point Fortin Zone.

Central Zone 1 Trainer: Mr. Roger Edwards Barran


Students from the Couva West Secondary School work on their on-location shooting technique with assistant trainer, Brent Chock Hong.

South Zone 1 Trainer: Mr. Michael Toney

Students in the South Zone learn the basics of editing and outdoor filming.


Central Zone 1 Trainer: Mr. Roger Edwards Barran


Students of the Central Zone learn about the importance of audio, audio levels and boom microphone operation from Trainer, Mr. Roger Edwards Barran


Coming soon!

Photos from:

Stephen Lee Pow - NORTH ZONE
Cliff Seedansingh - NORTH ZONE
Oneal Davis - EAST ZONE
Andy Smart - EAST ZONE
Che Rodriguez - MAYARO ZONE
Ashford Jackman - TOBAGO ZONE

(If you have film photos from any of the above listed Zones that you would like to share, please email them to secschoolfilmfestival@gmail.com)

Half way there!

Hey film students!

We're about half way through the T&T Secondary Schools Short Film Festival experience. By now you guys should be in production and gathering footage for your films. Some of you may even be in the editing stage. Great job!

Just reminding you of a few handy links:

The Facebook.com group for the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival can be found here.


Don't forget to take photos of the production process and post them up. If you half any problems please freely contact the trainer assigned to your zone, they are there to help you through, so please call on them for assistance.

The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company.

Orientation/Launch promo for the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival 2010

Check out the official video Promo from the Orientation/Launch of the 2010 Festival!

Photos from the Launch @ Movie Towne

Greetings to all students from the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company!

Please check out the Photo album from the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival Launch at Movie Towne!



Don't forget to join the Group and start posting your own production pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186712&id=210122687949&ref=mf