Despite not being held in person this year due to COVID-19, the Lambton Film and Food Festival youth shorts competition is being called a success.
A record of nearly 40 films entered this year were judged during a virtual ceremony on May 22. Seven movies won the "Judges' Choice Awards", with $2,800 being divided among the winners.
Many focused on societal issues like coping with the pandemic, climate change, social acceptance, and teen suicide.
This year’s competition also saw the return of the popular "People’s Choice” award where the public was invited to vote for their favourite submission. A total of 260 people cast a vote online for their favourite film, reflecting again, a record level of interest in the competition.
Lucian Austin won the "People's Choice" award for the film Quarantine Anthology which is a drama/comedy about life during the pandemic.
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Judges' Choice Winners:
- Last Man Standing by Joseph Barclay - A poignant film about a robot who is coping with sorrow and loneliness after losing his human family.
- BFFs by Mathew Pettit-Claymation - An animation with a strong social message about love and social acceptance.
- In it Together by Isabela Gorgonzola - A documentary style film which examines poverty, social responsibility, and the generosity of those working to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
- The End by Elliott Courtney - A drama exploring the suicide of a depressed teen and the impact on his younger brother.
- SIFI by Caelan Babenko - A digital 3D animation which explores escapism through art.
- Isolation by Josiah Pettit - A powerful film which focuses on the disorienting solitude of the pandemic.
- Climate Change by Sarah Houle - A film which explores the impact of climate change on the environment.
