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Earth Stories Film Festival returns with more world premieres
Students from Keele University’s departments of Media and Film will be screening films made by 14–25-year-old filmmakers at the Mitchell Arts Centre on Monday 22nd April, 6pm to 8.30pm, coinciding with World Earth Day.
Aaliyah Gibbings-Gardner, third year Media student and the Festival’s Director said: “This award-winning, student-led film festival will present new and inspirational films addressing climate change and revealing pathways for a more sustainable future. It is a brilliant opportunity for young people around the world to showcase their creative talents and make a valuable contribution to the debate around climate change and the sustainability issues we are facing. The films that we will be showing are incredibly well crafted and are a must see.”
Emily Stevenson, second year English Literature student and the Festival’s Deputy Director said: “This festival gives agency to young people around the world to articulate their concerns around the climate crisis and express those concerns through the medium of film. It has been a joy to judge and find the best films in each of the six categories to present to the people of Staffordshire.”
James McAteer, the Festival’s founder said: “These are beautiful films that are made by young filmmakers and each film provides an insight into what young people around the world are thinking and feeling about an issue that affects us all.”
Alana Wheat, Keele University Sustainability Engagement Officer, said: "Stories allow viewers to connect with the issues and concerns that the storyteller is facing. These films offer an engaging opportunity for filmmakers to share what is facing them and others, potentially inspiring action as a result."
The film screening is free to attend and offers an ideal opportunity to start conversations about the environment, human-nature reconnection, and sustainable futures. The festival is supported by funds from former Keele students.
You can book your free tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/earth-stories-film-festival/t-vvkdnlk
The following prizes will be awarded at the Earth Stories Film Festival on the evening:
Animation Award £100
Experimental Award £100
Documentary Award £100
Fiction Award £100
Young Film Award (14-16 Years old) £100
Keele Student Film Award £100
[As a member of the external judging panel, the Editor can attest to the high standard of this year’s entries. I’m looking forward to seeing more on the night too. J]
More North Staffs News - in brief:
Planet Dance: An Intergalactic Dance Extravaganza
Join "Planet Dance" in Newcastle for a unique event where aliens land seeking to learn Earth's dance moves to return home.
Open to all, this free event on 29-30 March at Appetite’s Newcastle Common promises a blend of dances from the Charleston to the Cha Cha Slide, coupled with a makeup tutorial to dazzle. It's a creative fusion of art and movement, part of the FRONTLINE Arts Festival, aiming to showcase d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists' talents.
Planet Dance is an artists’ residency brought to you by Appetite in support of the FRONTLINE Arts Festival. ‘What’s all the FAF about?’ is a four-month awareness-raising project from FRONTLINEdance that will highlight the creativity and skills of d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists culminating in a festival day. FAF aims to increase the number of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists working, commissioned, and showcased in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Find out more on the FRONTLINEDance website.
Celebrating Achievements: Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Awards Night
The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College celebrated outstanding student achievements during its Prize Presentation Evening on 20th March at King Hall.
Over 160 students received awards across various disciplines, reflecting the college's ASPIRE principles.
Noteworthy awardees include Yuliia Kozel for her exceptional endeavour in BTEC Law, and Rubi Machin for her achievements in A Level Biology and Chemistry, among others. The event underscored the college's commitment to nurturing growth and excellence.
Paws for Thought: Protecting Wildlife with Responsible Dog Walking
The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, alongside the Dogs Trust, advises dog owners to keep pets on leads during nesting season (February to August) to safeguard ground-nesting birds.
Disturbances from dogs can lead to birds abandoning nests, affecting species like skylarks and lapwings.
The campaign stresses the importance of controlling dogs in nature reserves and countryside, advocating for wildlife protection while enjoying outdoor activities.
Retro Gaming Documentary Triumphs at Film Festival
A Staffordshire University student, Kyle Adams, has won the 'Best Short Documentary' award at the Northampton Film Festival for his documentary on the retro gaming revolution, "Retro Revolution - The Game isn't Over".
The film explores the enduring allure of classic arcade games and the enthusiasts dedicated to their preservation.
"75 Faces of Keele" Marks University's Milestone
Keele University celebrates its 75th anniversary with the "75 Faces of Keele" exhibition, showcasing photographic portraits of significant individuals from its history.
The exhibition, featuring diverse contributors from its founding in 1949 to the present, including alumni like Michael Mansfield KC and TV presenter AJ Odudu, is on display in the Chancellor's Building. It underscores Keele's legacy of inclusivity and liberal values, marking a significant milestone in the university's history.
UHNM Celebrates First Open Iftar
Over 50 staff from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust attended an open iftar at Royal Stoke, marking Ramadan.
This inaugural event, organised by UHNM's Development, Culture, and Inclusion team, aimed to foster inclusivity and belonging.
Notable attendees included the CEO, who also fasted in solidarity. The gathering highlighted the importance of community and inclusivity during the holy month.
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