In conjunction with Bendigo Bank, Volunteering Tasmania and Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise, plus prize givers Tasmanian Leaders, UTAS, Tasmanian Centre for Global Learning and Launceston City Council, BOFA is offering short film-makers of all ages the chance to show us in three (3) minutes a story (real or imaginary) about making a positive difference.

Tell us a well constructed story, with a beginning, middle and end. It may be inspiring; sad; amazing; imaginative; challenging; instructive; exciting; or simply a wonderful story. It must be in English or subtitled, shot in high definition and under 3 minutes in any of the following genres: drama; documentary; humour (comedy); romance; grand adventure; or even sci-fi.

Films will be judged in terms of their: excellence in story telling; excellence in film making; excellence in capturing the Make a Difference theme.
Your idea for this short film is limited only by your own creativity. Perhaps you already know a volunteer in the community or know someone who volunteers and want to tell their story? Or you may be passionate about preserving the environment, protecting animals or promoting human rights? Do you have an inspiring personal story of overcoming adversity? Is there a story about a technology or programme which is making a difference?
There are prizes for:

1. BOFA Make A Difference Open Award $5,000 donated by Jackson Volkswagen – Short film-makers or organisations from anywhere in the world engaged in making a difference are invited to tell us your story or create a film that powerfully tells a story of making a difference.

2. BOFA Make A Difference Australian Youth under twenty five Award, $2,000 donated by UTAS and Launceston City Council – If you are an Australian film maker under the age of thirty we want your perspective on making a difference. Using your own experience, a news story or from your imagination you would need to capture dramatically a story of making a difference

3. BOFA Make A Difference Tasmanian Grade 9-12 Students Award, $1,000 donated by Tasmanian Centre for Global Learning – Are you a Tasmanian school student in grade 9-12 who is interested in filmmaking? Do you dream of one day becoming a famous film maker? Or do you have a creative flair and want to see what you can achieve with a video camera and a big idea?

The best of the films from each category will be shown for free at the Tasmanian Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival in the QVMAG Exhibition Gallery during the festival (8-11 November 2012) and ideally for weeks afterwards.

As well, the Make a Difference message will be distributed further by uploading the best films onto YouTube and ideally running a People’s Choice competition via Facebook to find the best short film in the eyes of the viewers.