THE ADMIRABLE, hard- working people at ReachOut, an organisation dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health, are launching a film competition aimed at changing attitudes and counteracting negative stereotypes.
The Inspire a Generation scheme invites interested parties to create a short film or animation that explores mental health issues in a positive way. The judging panel includes such luminaries as Roe McDermott, film critic for Hot Press; Rupert Morris from advertising agency Cawley-Nea; and Gráinne Humphreys, director of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.
The first prize is €2,000 and an internship in Cawley-Nea. There are also runner-up awards of €1,000 and €500. In order to get yourself in the running, you are invited to submit an outline of your film – which should run between 90 and 120 seconds – including a storyboard. Entrants must be between 18 and 30. Ten shortlisted finalists will then be invited to produce their project. The final date for first submissions is Monday, July 16th.
The Inspire Ireland Foundation, which runs ReachOut.com, acts as part of a an international network of bodies that seeks to help young folk lead happier, less stressful lives. The umbrella organisation was established in Australia in 1996 as a response to that nation's then escalating rates of youth suicide.
ReachOut started in 2009 and, since then, has been raising funds and spreading awareness in imaginative ways, including a famous Ticket pub quiz. Entry forms at ie.reachout.com.
