CALL FOR FILMS
The 2022/2023 Ripple Effect Film Project theme is the Ripple Effect. Similar to how tossing a small stone into a lake creates far-reaching ripples, your daily actions have a ripple effect that can affect our waters. If we choose to use water wisely in our homes, we place less demand on our water supply and help Athens get through a drought. When we leave a fast-food bag on a picnic table, the wind blows the trash to the ground, where it is carried away to the river by stormwater. Your actions matter.

Use your imagination, creativity, and artistic talents to make a splash in your world. Create a 30 to 90-second short film that illustrates the ripple effect in the following water-related topics:

ELIGIBILITY: This contest is open to Pre-K through 12th-grade filmmakers of all experience levels in Athens-Clarke County and neighboring counties.

DEADLINE EXTENDED ONE WEEK: Films will be accepted through 11:59 p.m., February 19, 2023.

What is the Ripple Effect Film Project?
Local K-12 students have the opportunity to write, produce, and star in short, water-themed films. The annual event puts out a call for films each fall, with films due in January of the following year. The submissions are narrowed down to the finalist round, then judged on creativity, originality, technical skill, and message content. The finalists' films are shown on the big screen during the Blue Carpet Premiere, where the winners are announced and cash prizes awarded.

The festival's theme changes each year slightly but always involves water and opportunities to incorporate the Georgia Standards of Excellence into the production. There is no fee to submit a film. This makes a great class project!

Themes for 2022/23

1. Using Water Wisely- How do you use water wisely?
2. Rivers Alive - Keep our waterways clean.
3. Imagine a Day Without Water- Water is essential and professionals provide water services that keep our economy flowing.

Need inspiration or research? Visit these websites:

RippleEffectFilmFestival.org
epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
ThinkAtTheSink.com
accgov.com/stormwater
accgov.com/kaccb
fixcarleaks.org
epa.gov/trash-free-waters

$1,000 in Cash Prizes

The finalists' films will be shown and winning films will be announced at the "Ripple Effect Blue Carpet Premiere" at the Morton Theater, Athens, GA in Spring 2023.

OFFICIAL RULES: https://accgov.com/7325/Official-Rules

ELIGIBILITY: This contest is open to Pre-K through 12th-grade filmmakers of all experience levels in Athens-Clarke County and neighboring counties. An individual or team can submit entries. Films submitted by filmmakers outside of the state of Georgia (USA) are subject to disqualification.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Access the submission rubric here: https://www.athensclarkecounty.com/9136/Ripple-Effect-Rubric

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS
Films should emphasize responsible water stewardship.

1) Film must focus on water stewardship using one or more of the following messages:
a. Using Water Wisely
b. Rivers Alive
c. Imagine a Day Without Water

2) Film must be rated G.

3) Film should be engaging, fun, and thought-provoking.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1) Film must be at least 30 seconds and no more than 1 minute 30 seconds in length, including credits.

2) Film must include 5 seconds of black screen both at the beginning and end, which will not count toward the film’s total running time.

3) Film and the completed submission form must be submitted electronically using FilmFreeway.com.

4) High definition videos are strongly encouraged (1280x720 or 1920x1080). Suggested frame rates are 24fps (23.98) or 30fps (29.97).

5) There is NO entry fee.

6) Film must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2022. (EXTENDED)

7) Film must comply with OFFICIAL RULES posted at www.rippleeffectfilmproject.org.

Failure to comply will result in disqualification. Rights are reserved by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACC) to disqualify a contestant who submits a film that is deemed to be offensive, libelous, slanderous, inflammatory, or otherwise inappropriate in any way for this film contest. ACC is not responsible for entries that are lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, or in violation of copyright laws. Films will remain the property of the ACC Water Conservation Office and may be reproduced.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ricky Ingram

    I think I like this film festival

    June 2020
  • michael baldwin

    Terrific, kid friendly, had a blast downtown Athens

    April 2019