WA film competition to challenge views about ageing

The Life in Pictures filmmaking competition, recently launched by Seniors and Volunteering Minister Paul Miles and 2016 WA Senior of the Year and Ambassador for Positive Ageing Jenny Davis, is a collaboration between government, the arts and the community. 

It’s focused on stimulating discussion about ageing, celebrating achievements of those who are ageing and diving into cultures with a different perspective on what it is to age.

“Society often values youth and beauty, while messages about ageing can focus on the negatives of getting older,” Mr Miles says. 

“Research shows these negative attitudes can often lead to social isolation and have significant impacts on seniors’ health and wellbeing. People who view their own ageing negatively also tend to live on average 7.5 years less than people with positive attitudes.

“This competition will encourage everyone, the film makers and the viewers, to stop and think about how we view getting older. It will stimulate discussion about ageing in a positive way that values and shows respect to older people,” he adds.

From the school to the mature aged, film makers from across the WA community are invited to enter a 2-minute film which will provide a platform on which to build community discussion, reflection, education and interaction.

A total prize pool of $20,000 across three categories is up for grabs and there is an option to attend film industry events and for film industry short courses and training. Entries should highlight how older people add to WA’s communities, including their contribution to families, culture, the economy, volunteering and tourism.

Winners in each category will have their entries screened at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival, and the films will be used to help raise awareness of ageing in the community.

Entries Close 31 May 2017. To find out more, visit revelationfilmfest.org/life-in-pictures-competition