TAC launches second short-film competition

According to the Transport Accident Commission, more than 300 young drivers aged 18-25 have lost their lives in Victoria in the last decade. Photo: TAC

THE Transport Accident Commission is encouraging Victorian film students aged between 18 and 25 to enter a short-film idea which features a message about the dangers of using phones while driving in its latest “Split Second Film Competition”.

Partnering with the Melbourne International Film Festival for the second year running, the TAC launched the Split Second Film Competition in the hope of illustrating to young drivers how a careless moment can be life-threatening.

Megan Jacobs, TAC engagement senior manager, said the competition gives aspiring filmmakers a chance to showcase the depth of their creativity.

“This is a great opportunity for Victoria’s budding young creatives to get some real experience in the film industry, while also starting a conversation with their peers about road safety,” she said.

“This competition will not only reach young Victorians eager to support road safety, but the thousands of people who attend the hundreds of screenings throughout the festival.”

Judged by a panel of film and advertising industry professionals, the winning movie buff will receive a $5,000 prize and will work alongside a professional production company to bring their concept to life using a $50,000 budget.

The completed film will be premiered before all MIFF screenings throughout the festival and the regional travelling showcase, which features over 530 films.

Ms Jacobs said it was important young people involved themselves in sending strong road safety messages as they are the most vulnerable people on Victorian roads.

“In their first year of driving, young drivers in Victoria are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than more experienced drivers,” she said.

“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to find new and innovative ways to engage with them and send crucial road safety messages.”

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, a road safety messaged centred on distracted driving and the delivery of a “turn your phone off in the cinema” message.

Entries for the competition open today and close on May 6, with the winner announced on May 24.

For more information about the competition and how to enter visit miff.com.au/splitsecondfilmcomp.