In 2011, nearly 60,000 filmmakers made 4,000 films in 96 cities on 6 continents. A School of Computing team from Edinburgh Napier won Best Film and best Cinematography for Edinburgh City, part of the prize package was a pass to Filmapalooza-the final festival and award ceremony for 'the Best of City' Filmmakers from around the world. The top Films from Filmapalooza are then screened at Cannes.
The project at Edinburgh Napier is primarily co-ordinated by Lecturer, John Morrison and Senior Teaching Fellow Ian Smith, who see the event as a great way to get students from all backgrounds working together on an engaging, inclusive project with a very tangible outcome. From a pedagogical perspective the project is a great way to break down barriers between cohorts of students traditionally structured around programmes and year groups as opposed to aptitudes and passions. The student experience from participating in this event has been quoted as one of the most vivid memories graduates have and friendships formed over the weekend often become the basis of professional networks.
The Students winning film, 'Fall from Grace' can be seen at:
http://socimedia.tumblr.com/post/19588736576/the-school-of-computings-award-winning-entry-to