For Daniel Chacon, a Grade 12 student at Garth Webb SS, receiving the top award - the Palme D’Eddie at the Halton Student Film Festival, known as
The Eddies, came as a huge surprise.
“It’s really nice to know that all that passion I put in my videos can get recognized and I think it’s awesome,” he says with a wide smile, noting he plans to pursue a career in the film industry. “This is my first time at an awards show like this, and it’s such a new experience for me.”
Chacon’s videos revolve around video game physics and the history of Fanta, the popular orange soda.
The 19th annual gala for The Eddies was held May 15 at FirstOntario Arts Centre in Milton. There are 12 genres/categories - with a listing of the top three for each genre - as well as 10 technical awards and the Palme d'Eddie (best overall), with two runner-up finishers.
The Halton Student Film Festival celebrates student success in filmmaking by recognizing technical and creative achievements. The festival is open to all secondary students (Grade 9-12) in the Halton District School Board. The Eddies awards are presented for various categories including Best Documentary, Best comedy, Best music video, Best vlog, as well as technical awards for audio production, special effects, best cinematography and best actor.
The student films were judged by professionals in various roles within the film industry. Following the presentation of awards, winning entries were shown on a large screen for all to enjoy.
Tiffany Olmsted, Acting Specialist High Skills Majors Co-Lead for the Halton District School Board, says The Eddies were a huge success.
“The MinnMax room at the FirstOntario Art Centre in Milton was packed with happy smiling students and their families, with several students leaving with medals and a few with monetary bursaries.”
An important component of The Eddies is its connection to the
HDSBs 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan, Olmsted says.
“Through the ‘Equity and Inclusion area of focus’ all Secondary students have an opportunity to submit videos to a variety of genres, as it is not just for Communication Technology students,” she says. “If students create a video for their academic classes we encourage them to submit it. Students are able to use school equipment to produce videos.”
“And through the ‘Mental Health and Well-Being area of focus, creating videos is good for the soul, as it allows students to improve their mental health through creativity. Making videos is helping many people to express themselves.”
Find out more about
The Eddies video entries.
