Swinburne students win top award in international film contest

Swinburne University of Technology students have won the university-level prize at the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest for their short environmental film Understorey.

Bachelor of Film & Television (Honours) students Claire Riverland, Lily Newcombe, Isabella Sanderson, and Bachelor of Screen Production alum Spencer Cameron worked together on the seven-minute film they filmed while in Malaysia on an overseas study tour through Swinburne Abroad. 

The award-winning short film is set in the Malaysian rainforest and depicts the struggle to preserve its diverse plant and animal life. The film includes interviews with engaging experts including tour guides Bob Zakaria and Mr Ismadi, and World Wildlife Fund Malaysia’s Cynthia Chin. 

Understorey explores a range of wildlife within the rainforest, from moths to frogs to orangutans.  

Students received funding on the study tour through the New Colombo Plan (NCP), an Australian government initiative designed to support Australian students studying in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Protecting wildlife, preserving nature and developing an appreciation for the environment at a young age is crucial to ensuring conservation efforts proceed,” the student filmmakers say.  

“The first step in conservation is making people care about our planet’s health, and we hope Understorey inspires its audiences by showing them what we still have left to protect.”

Understorey was also screened at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival where the students were interviewed about the experience of making it. 

Associate Professor Max Schleser, Study Tour Convenor and Course Director for Film and Television, says Swinburne’s Film and Television degrees prepare emerging filmmakers for future international film productions.

“The students’ success demonstrates that Swinburne Film and Television is the prototype of global best practice, which is recognised by film festivals in Melbourne and internationally through the award.” 

Filmmaking for change

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest engages young people in the global conversation about climate change, sustainability and the power of people.  

The competition invites young people from grade 3 through to age 25 to submit thought-provoking short films addressing environmental topics. The films are discussed in interactive audience conversations, to drive climate action beyond the screenings. 

During the past year the contest has received 400 submissions from 55 countries. Among the winners are students from Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Poland and the UK . 

"Once again there is a variety of wonderful films, from emotional and poignant to humorous and hopeful," says One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Founding Director, Sue Crothers. 

"From environmental justice, to appreciating the beauty of our environment, these films tell us that we are all responsible for where we are but also for where we can be. Change is possible!" 

The Global Award celebration will take place on 22 September 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, US. The winning students at university level will receive a USD$1,000 prize and a matching USD$1,000 to donate to a non-profit organisation supporting the theme of their film.  

“We are so grateful to all our interviewees and everyone who helped us make the film,” Understory director-producers Claire Riverland and Lily Newcombe say. 

“The opportunity to travel and pursue our interests through the university-led overseas study tour was so valuable and rewarding.” 

The short film, as well as other award-winning shorts, will be available at a virtual screening event on September 22nd and on the One Earth Film Festival website once the award celebration has been held.