Award-winning student film exposes prejudice with wit and confidence

Titled The Banana in Me and directed by Yan Zi (Rosey) Feng from Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, the film exposes the difficulties, dilemmas and prejudices confronting young people who are seen as ‘the perpetual foreigner’.

Film festival judges, Christine Evely and Garry Westmore from ACMI, describe it as a smart, confident film that tackles racial stereotypes in an unsettling yet humourous way.

Winners in the festival were announced today. They were selected from entries submitted by young film makers in four categories ranging from early years to Year 12.

The festival, held as part of ISV’s long running arts program, is open to schools in all sectors and all states.

Winners in the judge’s awards were:

• Year 12: The Banana in Me, Yan Zi (Rosey) Feng, Korowa Anglican Girls’ School
• Year 11: I Am in Charge, Ned Cox, Scotch College
• Year 7–10: Church Goers, William Longley, Blake Wilson, Max Phelps and Charlie Zelouf, Scotch College
• Years 3–6: ACT Now! Kids News Show, Grade 5 Media Class, Al-Taqwa College

In addition to the judges’ awards, each category was open to ‘people’s choice’ voting, which attracted more than 2,000 votes this year.

Winners were:

• Year 12: All In, Theo Renner, St Michael’s Grammar School
• Year 11: Consumed, Tiger Doultree, Firbank Grammar School
• Year 7–10: Baking Choc Chip Cookies, Aerynn Khong, Shiven Rewal and Liana Spencer, Huntingtower School
• Year 3–6: ATC Now! Kids News Show, Grade 5 Media Class, Al-Taqwa College

In congratulating the winners, and commending all students who entered, ISV Chief Executive Michelle Green said the festival was now an established and highly popular part of ISV’s arts program.

‘These wonderful films reveal the talent, creativity, imagination and technical skill of students in a wider range of schools and from all age groups,’ Ms Green said.