Adlai Stevenson High School Student Wins National Contest for Animated Film
Adlai Stevenson High School junior Andrew Wang tied for first place in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest for animation for his 2-minute film about climate change called "The Homo Sapien Virus."
In Andrew's film, planet earth is feeling sick and sees a doctor. Symptoms are respiratory problems (air pollution), hair loss (deforestation), and a high fever (global warming). Earth has acquired the deadly Homo Sapien Virus. Andrew won $500 plus a $500 matching gift, and his film will be screened as part of the One Earth Film Festival.
From across the country, the contest received 149 submissions at all age levels which were reviewed by a jury of 22 filmmakers and experts in sustainability.
"I saw this special film fest as a great opportunity to express myself as a young filmmaker while also advocating for a good cause," Andrew commented in his entry. "Knowing that I could enter this film festival for free but still donate hundreds of dollars to charity if I win just seemed like a great deal to me."
Andrew's film will have its Midwestern premiere at the One Earth Film Festival at 3 p.m. Central Standard Time Saturday, March 13. All are welcome to register for this free online screening at www.oneearthfilmfest.org/films-az-2021/young-filmmakers-contest-awards-celebration.
This virtual event has a surprising twist with a guest host. You won't want to miss it.
The Young Filmmakers Contest asks students to create a 3-to 8-minute live-action film or a 45-second minimum animation/stop-motion that inspires environmental change or action. Prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000 are awarded at all age levels: Elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and post-grad, with additional awards for creativity, animation and activism.
Most winners also receive a matching gift to donate to a nonprofit of their choice that supports the theme of their film. Andrew will donate his $500 matching gift to Clean Air Task Force.
The One Earth Film Festival is entirely online and goes from March 5 to 14. Most films are free, with a suggested donation and can be viewed from anywhere in the country. For the full schedule visit www.oneearthfilmfest.org/films-by-date