Split Second of Fame for Aspiring Victorian filmmaker
A young creative has seen their work premiere on the big screen at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) this week, as the winner of a government-funded film competition encouraging safe driving among young Victorians.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has partnered with Val Morgan for the fifth annual Split Second youth film competition, bringing aspiring filmmaker Sati Öcal’s short film to the silver screen.
Ms Öcal’s comedic short film, Gadgets, was picked as the winning script from more than one hundred entrants and compares a car’s safety features to the alluring gadgets of a spy car.
Ms Öcal said that it was her love for storytelling that inspired her to get into film.
“I have vivid memories of making silly short movies with my sisters on my mum’s Nokia when I was little, and the enjoyment I got from coming up with all sorts of crazy plot lines while playing with my Barbies and Legos. These moments were pure bliss that I never want to let go of.”
“I’m honoured to be able to use art to encourage people my age to take road safety more seriously. I feel so fulfilled studying screenwriting and am very proud to have my work featured on this scale,” she said.
The 22-year-old from Broadmeadows received a $5,000 cash prize and $70,000 production budget to bring her creative concept to life with prestigious global production company, Sweetshop. Following its premiere at ACMI, the film will be aired in cinemas across the state between October and November 2023.
The Split Second Competition also celebrates the runner up in the competition, Amon Mether, whose film Get Checked will be promoted across TAC social media channels.
Since launching in 2018, the Split Second Competition has received more than 800 entries and has produced six films, helping kick-start the careers of their creators while engaging young Victorians in road safety.
TAC Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Slatter, said 42 people aged between 18 and 25 had been killed on the state’s roads so far this year, up from 35 at this time in 2022.
“The Split Second Competition fosters a culture where young people can become actively involved in our efforts towards creating a safer future on Victorian roads,” Ms Slatter said.
“These films are more than entertaining; they’re powerful tools for change. With ‘Gadgets’ hitting cinema screens, and ‘Get Checked’ lighting up social channels, we hope to spark conversations that can save lives.”
“This year, Split Second focused on raising awareness of the importance of vehicle safety among young drivers. I encourage anyone in the market for a new car to visit howsafeisyourcar.com.au for essential safety information.”
For more information on the competition visit the TAC Website.
Press release supplied.
