Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON) Copyright: 2017 Woodstock Sentinel Review Contact: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/letters Website: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385 Author: Bruce Chessell Page: A1 FILM FESTIVAL TAKES ON TOUGH TOPIC Young filmmakers in Oxford County will have the chance to take on a tough topic: The effects of drugs and substance abuse. The Oxford Drug Awareness Committee (ODAC) is asking young people between the ages of 14 to 24 across Oxford County to make and submit a short three-minute video that illustrates the effects of substance use relating to one of four topics: Overdose, alcohol, marijuana and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The videos should be well researched and can use different film methods like live-action, animation or claymation. ODAC member and public health nurse Jacqueline Deroo said one of the reasons they wanted to have this film festival was so that the youth could learn about these topics in a fun way. "In a way that they can win prizes and be celebrated," Deroo said. "Just to show what youth can do in the arts around these topics as well." Deroo also said that they expect the participating filmmakers to use credible sources. "We're hoping that the youth will actually research the topics that they've chosen and pick something that it is interesting that they want to talk about artistically," she said. There are some ideas that ODAC is giving to the participants online in its information package, but Deroo shared some ideas that could be used for a video. "Regarding overdose, I was thinking just information about Naloxone, which is the antidote to opioids," Deroo said. "So if someone were overdosing on an opioid of some sort, like Fentanyl, Naloxone would be a life saving action they could take. So they could talk about it in some way, or what to do if you find someone passed out from drinking too much, that kind of stuff. "It's kind of empowering them to know information to keep them safe," she added. There are three prizes being offered, with first place winning $300, second winning $200 and third winning $100. The winning videos will be announced at the Youth Film Festival Celebration being held at the Oxford County administration building on May 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the top rated videos will also be shown at the Woodstock Art Gallery on May 31. Deadline for entries is April 28, and people can find more information about the contest at www.oxfordcounty.ca/health . - --- MAP posted-by: Matt