Campfire, one of the most innovative film foundations, is having its film festival on May 12.
A hybrid film festival, Campfire generates discussion about the big questions in life.
Campfire Film Festival
The Campfire Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates "short film" as a means of provoking discussion and debate around meaningful issues.
Curriculum themes include Aboriginal Perspectives, Media, Religion and Society.
Each year, Campfire gathers a range of high quality short films that help introduce these difficult topics and spark discussion.
The 2012 Festival is supported by the Australian Film Critics Association (AFCA), with panel discussions on the making and using of shortfilms in the education sector.
Categories
AFCA will also provide jurors for the judging and awarding of best "short films" in the categories:
Campfire Award (Best Overall Discussion Starter)
Best Documentary Short
Best Youth Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Environmental Short
Philosophy for outreach
The Campfire concept has been used for several years now by schools, church and community groups to begin debate, examine theology and grow in their understanding of worthwhile topics.
For example, one Melbourne church youth group used Campfire in their comparative religions study to discuss the the uniqueness of Christ compared to other faiths.
The use of short films helped engage the youth and was an excellent vehicle to generate discussions and then move into Bible studies.
The Campfire Film Festival
1.30pm - Saturday 12 May,
ACMI Cinemas,
Federation Square,
Melbourne.
Jeremy is a former sport scientist, now chaplain & pastor.
Jeremy Dover's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html