21 February 2020
YWCA Canberra Clubhouse is part of a global network of more than 100 Clubhouses in 20 countries. One of the many initiatives they host is the Global Clubhouse RE@CH Media Festival.
The Global RE@CH Media Festival (Revolutionizing Expression @ The Clubhouse) is the signature platform for Clubhouse member media. The Festival encourages youth from around the world to express themselves about issues that are important to them. Participants create media that describe their personal experiences and gives voice to their ideas, feelings, and concerns. In addition, youth gain exposure through exhibition opportunities that showcase their perspectives. For the first time since our Clubhouse has been in operation, we have submitted several entries to the festival.
Included in these entries were four short documentary-style non-fiction videos. These were entered into the documentary video category that called for works that tell a story or share a perspective through the documentation of real-life events, past or present. Projects for this category needed to be non-fiction videos exploring current or historical issues or pieces about a subject, person or persons.
The videos we entered highlighted the places in their lives that were important to them, and why they loved them. The production of these videos was the focus of a term-long program with 14 Clubhouse members. In this program, we learnt about many aspects of film making, including the difference between A and B roll, as well as the importance of having different styles of shots to add intrigue and variety, such as an establishing shot, close-ups, over the shoulder, etc.
In small groups, we brainstormed the different things in their life, particularly in the Tuggeranong area, that we loved and then planned how we could communicate our feelings through the medium of film. Each group worked cohesively together and communicated their individual flair and personality in the editing process. Each video is unique and is a great testament to their learning and passion for the Tuggeranong area.
Also included amongst the entries were seven posters created by nine Clubhouse members. These posters were entered into the graphic design category that called for poster campaigns that send powerful messages. We created posters that addressed many topics, such as the recent bush fires, plastic pollution, skateboarding safety, and food waste management. We used the online graphic design platform Canva. Many members hadn’t used this platform before so it was a great project to learn a new skill and software, as well as work in groups.
Being involved in the festival is a meaningful way for us to create media that speaks to their experiences and comments on the world around them. The Global RE@CH Media Festival gives young people a platform to have their media seen and heard by a wider audience. The Festival helps them build their media creation skills and technical knowledge while encouraging them to participate in the critique and reflection process of media making.
A team from The Clubhouse Network selects these finalists from submissions on our members-only social network, The Clubhouse Village. Finalists are chosen based on the following criteria:
There is a panel of judges that includes Clubhouse Alumni, corporate partners, and former Clubhouse staff, who decide the Judges’ Selection in each category.
There are also Audience Awards in each category where we, and our community can get involved! Visitors to the site can view the videos at the Clubhouse Reach website.