Cinéfest continues to be the talk of the town right now, and several local youth are going to see their names in the spotlight after producing short video clips about the danger of fast-flowing water.

The Junction Creek Safety Committee is giving local youth the opportunity to take centre stage, if only briefly, as three videos have been selected to prelude a four films at Sudbury's international film festival.

Those who attend Zarafa and First Position today were able to watch the short videos, while those taking in The Runaway and Bully Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. and noon, respectively, will also be able to see the videos.

All three films convey the message Where Waters Flow, Do Not Go! Danger!

“We decided to introduce a video component to the Fast Flowing Water Contest this year because we felt it would be another fun way for students to express themselves and learn that fast-moving water is dangerous,” said Deputy Mayor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, councillor for Ward 12 and chair of the Junction Creek Safety Committee.

“Having the winning videos screened at Cinéfest this week is so exciting for the students who won, and will help spread our message, even further.”

Students throughout Greater Sudbury from grade 4 to 8 were invited to submit a 30- to 90-second safety video that expressed the theme that fast-moving waterways are dangerous.

“I was very impressed with the calibre of submissions and think this contest is a creative an innovative way to engage children about the dangers of water,” said Tammy Frick, Cinéfest Executive Director, and Fast-Flowing Water judge who helped select the video winners.

They are as follows:
First Place: Riana McNeil – Grade 8 student at École Félix-Ricard;
Second Place: Lobna Abdel-Dayem – Grade 5 at Algonquin Road Public School;
Third Place: Cole Timony – Grade 5 at Algonquin Road Public School;

On Aug. 25, 2007, Adam Dickie drowned in Junction Creek due to fast-rising water. Shortly thereafter, the Junction Creek Safety Committee was formed by Landry-Altmann (chair) and Coun. Joe Cimino – with the support of Adam’s parents and local agencies, to evaluate conditions around fast-flowing water and to make recommendations to reduce the possible recurrence of this tragic event.

The 2012 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival runs until Sept. 23. For more information on the festival and this year’s schedule, please visit cinefest.com.