THE Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) launched its new themes for 2012 during the prize-giving ceremony of the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival (SSSFF) at MovieTowne, Port of Spain, last week.

Launching the eighth instalment of the festival, the Minister of Trade and Industry Stephen Cadiz distributed prizes to the winning schools, which consisted mainly of film equipment, and introduced the new themes which are as follows:

The Environment — "Making a Cleaner, Better Future"

Cultural Traditions/Preservation — "50 years of culture:

Preserving the T&T Legacy"

National Identity — "My Islands, What it means to be Trinbagonian"

Peace/Social Change —

"Fixing T&T"

According to a TTFC press release, these themes are to instill greater awareness and appreciation for local culture into young filmmakers. The themes, however, do not emanate solely from the TTFC, but are developed in consultation with student filmmakers who are invited each year to submit ideas on the topics they would like to explore.

In his feature address, Minister Cadiz said, "I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. This Whitney Houston song reminds us of our obligation as parents, teachers and leaders to groom our adolescents for the leadership responsibilities that await them. The values and lessons that we impart to our children prepare them for responsible adulthood, to be positive role models and increase their resilience to resist the negative social behaviours that are being manifested in our country and projected through social media, videos and other related media."

"Events such as the Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Short Film Festival are critical in this regard, as it provides an avenue for students to apply their creative talents into learning the art of filmmaking," he said.

TTFC chairman Christopher Laird said, "We view the SSSFF as a valuable training ground for young people. We see it as an opportunity to educate and encourage them to view film as more than just an avenue for entertainment or a fun hobby, but a viable career option."

The festival, which has gained in popularity, has seen an increase in participation of schools over the years. According to TTFC CEO Carla Foderingham, last year there were 33 entries, up from 24 entries the year before.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to view Bazodee, the 2011 winning film from Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain.

The award for Best Actor went to Chryston Floyd from Presentation College, San Fernando, for The Week. Best Actress was Evol Cross from Iere High School, Siparia, for The Mistake.

For more information about the Secondary Schools Short Film Festival and how to enter, visit the TTFC's website at www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com or call the TTFC at 625-FILM. Registration closes on March 16.