MIFF: NEXT GEN 2013

Program Overview

Next Gen is a program of entertaining and challenging cinema selected for a youth audience.

The Next Gen films give young people an insight into other cultures and ways of life, as well as the infinite possibilities of cinema. They are an excellent resource to support the teaching of numerous disciplines and Australian Teachers of Media provide free ATOM study guides to accompany selected films. The study guides provide film content analysis for teachers and students, and encourage discussions around historical, social, philosophical and political issues relevant to the film.

The Next Gen program was established in 2007 to enrich the cinema experience for younger viewers, as well as stimulate discussion and social awareness. Encouraging students to become active viewers, who question and challenge the moving image, is essential in a media-saturated era. The films this year were selected for their diversity, innovation and high quality, as well as being relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages. Through drama, documentary and animation, issues such as family, prejudice, injustice, violence, rebellion, identity and overcoming hardship are explored with integrity and depth.

Thomas Caldwell
Shorts and Next Gen Coordinator