Out in Schools counteracts homophobia with film competitions

Much progress has been made as a result of the gay and lesbian rights movement. But there’s certainly a long way to go.

Two local youth organizations are doing something about it. Out in Schools, Out on Screen’s high school program designed to address homophobia and bullying, and Reel Youth are offering a free opportunity for youth aged 19 and younger to make their first film.

Successful applicants will attend the NO HATE filmmaking bootcamp that will run from March 16 to 20 and make a film that will help to counteract homophobia.

All films will be shown at the 21st annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival, which is slated to run this year from August 13 to 23. The films will also tour throughout B.C. and may also be shown on a Reel Youth festival tour across North America.

The deadline is February 27. Application forms are available at the Out in Schools Web site.

Meanwhile, there’s also the second annual anti-homophobia public service announcement competition by Out in Schools and the Vancouver School Board. They’re looking for videos that encourage learning environments that are unhindered by homophobia. Submissions can be from 30 seconds to one minute long. The deadline is May 6.

For more details, e-mail Out in School’s director of youth education Ross Johnstone at ross[at]outonscreen.com.