In June 2020, The National Association for Higher Education in the Moving Image (NAHEMI) challenged students from universities across the UK to produce a one-minute film addressing experiences, thoughts, or reflections during these extraordinary times. The films submitted addressed isolation, changing times, the threat of virus, the idea of a new world, social distancing, COVID 19, lockdown, and freedom.
Last week (October 29), in a live-streamed awards ceremony, NAHEMI and Canon have unveiled the 10 winners of the 2020 NAHEMI Canon Filmmaking Competition. The judging panel included representatives of NAHEMI, Canon, and invited professionals from the media industries. They nominated awards for overall winner and craft categories (Creative Idea, Visuals, Sound Design, Editing). The winners will receive support from Canon for their next big film project.
The short film was focused on the unique experiences that have arisen due to the lockdown rules of by the current pandemic.
Speaking about her film, Ioulietta says: "I based my film on the lyrics of a song which sings 'It doesn't mean you're lonely when you're alone' (which I included as a jazz-version song in the film). I focused on how the everyday routine and entertainment have changed during this time of self-isolation."
"For my project two other students helped me, Anca Bratu (camera assistant) and Gabriela Predan (gaffer)."
Ioulietta concludes: "It is always great to be recognised at a national level, but this experience was even more special. The subject was so powerful and inspiring, strengthened by working on it during the lockdown and by using real personal experiences for it. I am very happy about the appreciation that this project received because it was a simple idea, but the people who watched it could understand what was underneath. I am especially glad because the judges mentioned on their feedback that this narrative might seem funny at first, but the story behind it is actually quite sad, seeing the protagonist getting ready while having nowhere to go. It is certainly refreshing and reassuring seeing that during these uncertain times there is still room to express your thoughts and feelings and that this can also be appreciated."
See Ioulietta's award-winning film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_ASULpZNo
Watch the screening of all the films submitted to the competition: https://vimeo.com/473353218
