Photo contest of global issues opens new film category

A UQ photography competition that captures politics and global issues has now opened the doors to a new film category.

After running successfully for three years, the 2012 POLSIS Annual Photography Competition organised by the School of Political Science and International Studies will feature both photographic and film categories in 2012.

“We decided to add this category because moving images convey a political dimension as effectively as a still image,” says Dr Matt McDonald, Chair of the School’s Engagement Committee.

“Some courses in the school already offer the production of film documentaries as a form of assessment and we believe a growing number of our students are familiar with both filming and editing, particularly in the digital age.”

The photography competition started in 2009 with 15 entries and last year over 90 images were submitted.
The competition provides a platform for students and alumni to showcase their interest in politics and global issues, while also reflecting on the role visual images play in shaping knowledge and understanding.

One of this year’s judges, Dr Sebastian Kaempf says the film was an increasingly relevant media tool.
"The reality of our lives today is that the way we look at and fathom the world we live in is increasingly mediated by pictures, films and video,” he said.

Entries are now open for the 2012 POLSIS Annual Photography Competition. The closing date is August 31.

For further details and entry forms and to see previous entries, visit: http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/photography-competition

Media: Janelle Kirkland (07 3346 0561) or j.kirkland@uq.edu.au