Press release from Whale Like Me
Film director Malcolm Wright will launch the inaugural Whale Like Me International Short Film Contest this Friday 18th March at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College. The contest is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and will receive and house entries online.
The contest is intended to provoke thought about how humans relate to whales and dolphins. Contest organiser and Director of documentary film Whale Like Me, Malcolm Wright said,
“The Tuggerah Lakes region has a rich indigenous culture. The local Darkinjung recognise the whale as a very important part of their cultural world. The Central Coast community celebrates whale migration yearly through events such as the 5 Lands Walk incorporating the stories of whale dreaming, as well as talks about the migration of these spiritual creatures from members of the aboriginal community and ORRCA.
"We’re thrilled that the students and teachers of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College are showing such enthusiasm for the contest. I can’t think of a better place to kick off this project to seek new ways of thinking about cetaceans.”
Teacher Rebecca Valle and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Aboriginal Education Coordinator, Geoffrey Eagar, spearheaded the enrolling of their classes in the film contest after Valle noticed how excited her students were about it.
She said “This is such a great opportunity for them to not only learn about whales along with the indigenous history of the region, but also about the art and power of communicating through film making. They will grow from being directly involved in seeking new ways to understand and safeguard our oceans”.
Wright will talk to students about the plight of whales around the world, about powerful ways in students can make individual and unique contributions to solving our looming marine ecology problems, and will provide general film making tips for the contest.