Real film makers in national final

A group of Shetland pupils have made it to the final of a national film making contest and are now appealing to the public to show their support by voting for the film to win the competition.

The pupils are part of the Shetland Student Advisory Group, a forum that meets regularly to discuss issues and create learning resources.

The film, which was made in conjunction with students from Aberdeen College, focuses on the story of a young girl who idolises a celebrity to such an extent that she stops eating in order to look like her.

The project started when the pupils, all aged between 11 and 17, entered a competition last year as part of the run up to the Olympics. They had to think about an issue in their society and write a film treatment with a powerful message on that subject.

They won the regional phase of the competition last summer and the next stage saw the treatment being made into a film by students from Aberdeen College. The film has now been released online and around city centres across the UK, along with entries from 35 other finalists.

SIC global learning co-ordinator Lewie Peterson said: “It is a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of the group that they are through to the final of Big Voice.

“Seeing young people actively trying to solve a problem in their community is always inspiring and these students deserve to win. It would be great if everyone up here can get online and get voting.”

The film can be viewed and voted on at www.btplc.com.