A dozen short films made by 100 young Borderers over the last 12 months, and shot in local towns such as Duns, Gala, Selkirk, Jeburgh, Kelso and Hawick, will be screened at this year’s Voice Of My Own film festival at Galashiels Volunteer Hall on Tuesday, October 30.
For six years the Voice of My Own (VOMO) project, based at St Mary’s Mill in Selkirk, has given young people the chance to express themselves through the medium of the moving image, from documentary to animation and drama – and the organisers promise this year’s film festival will be “the biggest and best yet”.
The project nurtures skills and talent among young people, providing a constructive outlet for those who may be at risk, and fosters a sense of self-reliance and team spirit in those who are in need of direction in their lives.
Project manager Robert Sproul-Cran said: “We have so many different types of story – from the slapstick loved by the younger groups through to deeply felt explorations of the serious challenges faced by older teens. Some of the subjects are dark but there’s a lot of humour too. And the common theme is that these are all tales devised by the young people on issues which they care deeply about.”
In addition to developing acting and filming skills this year, VOMO introduced a trainee producer scheme called VOMO Plus, giving five young people a chance to learn vital behind-the-scenes management skills.
The five trainees – Jenny Anderson from Darnick, Callum McColgan from Selkirk, Rachel Callaghan from Galashiels, Ewan Dunsmore from Gattonside and Bethany Moyes from near Denholm – worked incredibly hard and over 12 weeks became increasingly confident at project management and filmmaking.
“Film production is one of the hardest and most important jobs in the film industry,” says VOMO production co-ordinator Lisa Cowan. “Many of the skills our trainees gleaned in their quest to set-up and run film shoots are transferable to many other aspects of their lives. They took on the responsibility, demonstrating great results; we are very proud of their achievements.”
Bethany said: “I found it incredibly useful and interesting when we had Martin Smith in for the director’s workshop. I learned so much in just one day!”
Jenny added: “The whole experience of everything on the project was incredible – a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Councillor Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for culture, sport and community learning added: “In the course of 2011 to 2012 VOMO has produced more films than in any previous year, enabling young people to express themselves artistically, to learn technical and communications skills, to work as teams and to produce issues-based work, both documentary and drama, which impact on the community at large.”
The evening finishes with the premier of the drug advisory film Legally High, made by VOMO in partnership with the Rezz youth club in Kelso, the Galashiels-based agency face2face, and Lothian and Borders Police. This film was the idea of a group of young people in Kelso, and its potential was immediately recognised. It is now shaping up into a resource which could save lives over a far wider area. VOMO exists to give young people a chance to express themselves, but increasingly this has resulted in major projects with a big impact.
Doors open at 6.15pm, with refreshments before screening starts at 7pm. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked by calling or texting 07825 831544.