This week, the winners of the 15th annual Childnet Film Competition have been announced at the Disney Headquarters in Hammersmith.
The award judges included Jim Filippatos, Vice President of Global Public Policy at Disney. Commenting on the event, he said “The Childnet Film Competition shows how powerful young voices can be and reminds us that storytelling can help us all see the world in new ways. At Disney, we’re dedicated to online safety, and these winners did a great job showing how to make the internet a better place.”
The Childnet Film Competition, attracted participants from across the UK, and received entries from many talented young people who embraced the challenge of creating short films on the theme of “How would you make the internet a better place?”
Sir Donald Bailey Academy in Newark came first in the Primary category of 7-11 year old entrants, with their film “Change your attitude, change the internet”. With clever editing and handmade props, this film reminds us to always treat others with respect and to consider how your behaviour online can make others feel. Finalists in the Primary category also include Moat Farm Junior School and North Allerdale Development Trust.
Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton placed first in the Secondary category of 11-18 year old entrants, with their film “Blooming a Better Internet”. Through computerised and hand-drawn animation, this film shares tips on how to be kind on the internet. A flower cleverly reflects how the way people behave online can make somebody feel. Finalists in the Secondary category also include The Sele School and Emanuel School.
Will Gardner OBE, CEO of Childnet and Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre commented: “A huge congratulations to all winners, finalists and entrants of this year’s competition. Their films will undoubtedly inspire and encourage other schools and young filmmakers to show off their talents and help keep their peers safe with these important online safety messages.”
The audience at the event includes The Children’s Commissioner, and representatives from government, industry, charities and the wider online safety space.
With more young people entering the competition than ever before, the expert panel of judges faced the difficult task of selecting the winners. For 2024, the Judging panel included experts from BAFTA, the BBC, the British Board of Film Classification, the British Film Institute, and the Motion Pictures Association, as well as a young person from the Childnet Digital Leaders Programme.
The films are available to watch at childnet.com/film/winners