The third biannual national film competition for secondary schools was recently organised by the Malta Cine Circle, supported by funding from the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

Seven schools took the challenge and produced good quality films treating very contemporary societal issues including the causes and consequences of poverty, discrimination, young people and alcohol use, and the environment.

The aim of the contest, held every two years, is to encourage students to appreciate the art of cinematography and the different skills required to work in the field of cinema.

It also aims to elicit interest in film-making among the students, who may either take it up as a hobby or eventually take it on as a career.

During the course of producing their films, the students are encouraged to be creative, innovative and develop ideas and skills.

They also learn to appreciate the value of a team working together towards achieving a common goal.

The participating films were shown to a packed auditorium of students, family and friends at St Margaret College Boys Secondary School Vittoriosa. The schools carrying home the awards were the following::

St Margaret College Girls Secondary School Cospicua won three Awards for Best Production, Editing and Photography;

San Anton School won the Jury Award for Script Adaptation;

San Gorg Preca College Boys Secondary School Marsa won the Award for Acting Performance;

St Margaret College Boys Secondary School Vittoriosa - Award for Use of Sound;

St Clare College Girls Secondary School Pembroke - Award for Best Script;

St Albert the Great College and St Clare College Girls Junior Lyceum were awarded a Certificate of Participation in appreciation of their efforts.

The organisers were very satisfied with the enthusiasm shown not only by the eager students, but also by the keen teachers and parents who pitched in no small way to support the students in their creative endeavours.