Inspiring Films for Inquiring Minds

Modern Mining and Technology Sudbury (MMTS) and Dynamic Earth, in partnership with the internationally acclaimed Wild & Scenic Film Festival, have put on a mining and earth sciences themed Sudbury film festival for teens interested in nature, innovation, and the environment. According to Shannon Katary, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), and a member of the MMTS Committee, “the festival is a powerful medium to educate and inspire youth ages 13 to 18 about the environment, with a special focus on the role of mining and the opportunities this great industry has to offer.” Click here to read Ms. Katary’s full article, published in advance of the festival.

As keynote speaker at the festival, Ms. Katary shared her experiences in mining and explained the motivations that led her to choose a career in the industry. Her address was framed by several award winning So You Think You Know Mining videos, which offer a fresh perspective on why mining matters. The following videos were featured at the film festival:

These Moments (2014 Best Overall Entry – $5,000 Prize, plus $500 to Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, Kitchener)
Imagine (2014 Best Animation – $2,500 Prize)
Mine(d) Your Business (2011 Best Music/Original Score – $2,500 Prize)
Mined Power (2013 Best Directing – $2,500 Prize + OMA Academy Award – $2,500 Prize)

So You Think You Know Mining gives Ontario high school students the opportunity to compete for substantial cash prizes by using video to tell stories about the benefits of mining to society. The videos are evaluated by an independent panel of media and mining professionals to determine the winning entries in ten Oscar-like award categories, with prize money ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. In addition, members of the public vote online to select the winner of the $2,500 People’s Choice prize. We encourage everyone to view the eligible contenders and choose their favourite – voting is open now until May 22, 2015. CLICK HERE TO VIEW & VOTE

These and other prizes will be announced at an exciting and glamorous awards ceremony, held on May 27 at the Royal Ontario Museum. Like the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, the SYTYKM awards provide a platform for young talent to have their extraordinary work recognized and honored before a distinguished audience.