Toronto Film School Students Dominate at Magna Carta Film Contest

One after one, the winners of the City of Toronto’s Magna Carta Student Film Contest were called to the stage—by evenings end Toronto Film School students took home all the top awards.

The Magna Carta Student Film Contest aligns with the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta; a foundational document that is a cornerstone for democracy, human rights and justice in Canada and around the world.

As part of the Canada-wide celebrations of the 800th anniversary, students from film schools across the Greater Toronto Area were invited to make a 0:30 to 3:00 short film reflecting on their interpretation of the legacy of the Magna Carta.

Twelve films, six of them by Toronto Film School students, were selected for the Gala Screening on Sept. 28 at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Midtown Toronto. Following the screenings the winners  of the contest were announced, all of them Toronto Film School students.

First place, with its $5,000 prize, went to “Protecting You” by Fabian Eggenschwiler, a Term 6 student in the Film Production Diploma program for his exciting and creative use of stop motion animation and intriguing Magna Carta concept told in just over 30 seconds.

Eggenschwiler said he is delighted by the win, especially considering he was initially hesitant to submit his film to the Magna Carta Film Contest.

“I wasn’t entirely sure if it worked,” explained Eggenschwiler, who came to Canada from Switzerland in order to study filmmaking in Toronto at the Toronto Film School.

But, he submitted his short film, and when it was accepted, Eggenschwiler said, it gave a boost of confidence and reminded him that he is in fact doing work that people want to see.

“I am very happy that people enjoy what I do and that is actually what I’m happiest about it,” Eggenschwiler said.

In addition to his own win, Eggenschwiler said he was delighted to see his peers in the Film Production Diploma program take home the second and third place prizes as well.

“That is a huge complement to the Toronto Film School and shows that we do learn to make good quality film, not only technically, but creatively as well,” Eggenschwiler said. “It is great to see so much talent coming out of our school.”

Charlotte Johnson was awarded second place, with a $2,000 prize, for her film “Porch Swing Days”. Third place, with a $500 prize, went to “Magna & Carta” by Petros Neguse and a honourable mention was made of “Happy Birthday Magna Carta” by Josie La Corte, all Toronto Film School students.

Those winning films will go on to be showcased to tens-of-thousands of people during the Magna Carta 2015 exhibition at the Fort York Visitor’s Centre Oct. 4 to Nov. 7, 2015.

“All I can say is how proud I am of all of our students that participated in the Magna Carta Film challenge,” said Annie John, the Dundas Campus Principal for Toronto Film School. “Their creative interpretations of the legacy of the Magna Carta certainly shone on the big screen.”

According to Christopher Lane, the coordinator of the Film Production Diploma at the Toronto Film School, the real win for these students is that their work will be included in a major historical event at Fort York and will be seen by thousands of people.

In addition to having the having their work screen at the gala, the top 10 filmmakers will be invited to a master’s workshop hosted by the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the City of Toronto Film Office. Lane said, the master’s class is an incredible opportunity and can be a career changer for any emerging filmmaker.

“So what it means is they are now involved in a maters series hosted by the DGC. These are intensive, in-depth symposiums and classes designed to hone their skills,” Lane said. “This is an amazing opportunity that will be on their resume for the rest of their lives.”

To find out more about Toronto Film School and its programs click here.