Related Photos

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  G.L. Roberts CVI students Javon Richards (far left) and Tanner Smith (far right) take time out of the Gettin’ Legendary Replay Film Festival and Challenge reception to pose with Keegan Hughes of Youth Fusion on the red carpet.
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  Ajax HS took home Best Short Film, Best Audio and Best Acting for Infected at the 2nd Annual G.L Roberts CVI Film Festival and Challenge. (L-R: Grade 12 students Shianne Carrington, Sanjula Perera, Ryan Gomes, Rohinn Balachandra. Missing from the photo but every bit a part of the award-winning team are: Joshua Andreou, Sara Currie, Kaden Hill, Rayyan Ismael, Dana Klucha, Jeffrey Kong, and Darius Parsons)
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  2019: A Space Travesty Director Jeyden McGown (right) in Grade 12 from DASS and guest Eric Davis enjoy the red-carpet reception at the Gettin’ Legendary Replay Film Festival and Challenge. 2019: A Space Travesty won the award for Best Film Editing.

Innovation: Lights, Camera, Action!

By Marissa Campbell 

G.L. Roberts CVI rolls out the red carpet for the Gettin’ Legendary Replay Film Festival and Challenge 

Secondary students from Grades 9-12 in the Durham District School Board (DDSB) were invited to submit a 3-5-minute short film to the Gettin’ Legendary Replay Film Festival and Challenge. This was the second time G.L Roberts CVI organized the challenge and participation more than doubled over the previous year with 12 films screening at the red-carpet reception on May 30^th. Participating schools included G.L. Roberts CVI, Ajax HS, Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS), Pickering HS, Anderson CVI and O’Neill CVI.

The theme for this year’s challenge was space exploration, but the meaning was open to interpretation. Films ranged from comedy to horror/suspense to poignant social commentaries and documentaries. Seven awards were up for grabs, including Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Audio, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Acting and Best Short Film — and the competition was fierce. Voting came down to a few points separating the winning entries.

Nicole Hart, Teacher of Drama and Communications Technology and Guidance Counsellor at G.L. Roberts CVI, was thrilled with the range of submissions. “The film festival is not just a celebration of the communications technology curriculum and of creating media, it also celebrates student creations, creativity and collaboration.”

Communicating a Message

Innovation is one of the key pillars in DDSB’s strategic plan and plays a crucial role in student success. “The world is constantly evolving and there’s a need to be innovative and creative and really think outside the box,” explains Hart. “I think the film industry and the film festival really helps encourage students to tap into their creativity and communicate through different mediums. Whether they’re using their phones or a state-of-the-art camera, they can capture a message and communicate with their audience.”

The Gettin’ Legendary Replay Film Festival and Challenge included a red-carpet reception, complete with delicious hors d’oevres prepared and served by students in G.L. Roberts CVI’s Hospitality program. The festival also showcased short films from imagineNATIVE, a charity committed to inspiring and connecting communities through Indigenous film and media arts.

While the award celebration sparkled with glitz and glamour, Hart acknowledges making a film isn’t easy. “Making a movie is time consuming,” says Hart. “It requires dedication and commitment from your team, but the students should take away pride in their accomplishment and a feeling of celebration. Even if they didn’t win an award they’ve really showcased their talents and abilities and should continue to follow their passions.”