Virtual window into students’ creative minds: Festival X
A virtual gallery, live performances, short films, animation, documentaries and much more will light up the virtual world this weekend as Festival X brings together a digital celebration of student creativity.
Running from 13 -15 November, Festival X provides an opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the talent of students from the University of Newcastle’s School of Creative Industries within the Faculty of Education and Arts as they exhibit their final work and make their mark on 2020.
Program highlights include a virtual gallery showcasing the work of close to 100 students; the Annual Newbie Awards, showcasing the year’s best drama, documentaries, 10-short films, animations, and major screen works; and a preview of a new project with Aussie surf rock legends, Hockey Dad, thanks to the School’s partnership with BMG Music.
Director of Festival X and Senior Lecturer with the School of Creative Industries, Dr Andrew Howells said that despite the challenges the global pandemic had imposed on the creative industries, Festival X was an exciting manifestation that showcased the resilience and true talent of the students.
“Festival X is a chance for the community, business and industry to support and engage with the creative industries in our community and to really appreciate the brilliant creativity and talent that has been fostered through our programs in the School of Creative Industries,” Dr Howells said.
“We’re incredibly proud of our talented students and above all, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase years of dedication to their craft to their family, friends and the wider community.”
Festival X will take place online here: https://festival-x.com/
Program highlights
The Virtual Gallery
In 2020, many art galleries and museums closed their doors due to COVID-19. In response, School of Creative Industries students Lachlan Gollege and Luke O’Donnell rose to this unique challenge by developing an interactive virtual experience using Unity, software that is typically used for gaming, to create an interactive virtual gallery. Through this virtual platform, people can view the work of close to 100 students from the areas of visual communication design, natural history illustration and creative industries. Take a digital walk through the gallery and be blown away by the creative work of our students.
WHEN: Running all weekend from Friday 13 November at 6pm.
The 5th Annual Newbies Awards
The 5th Annual Red-Carpet Screening and Newbies Awards is a curated celebration of the moving image, screening the year’s best drama, documentaries, 10-short films, animations, and major screen works from Bachelor of Communication and Visual Communication Design students. At the end of the screening, the annual ‘Newbies’ will be announced, with awards for the most outstanding work in several categories.
WHEN: Friday 13 November at 6.30pm.
The Animation Master Class – a free event for High School students – SOLD OUT
Are you an aspiring animator or creative wanting to learn the tricks of the trade from the best in the biz? We have partnered with Newcastle Libraries/Guts Creative to bring you ‘The Animation Masterclass’, a free event as part of Festival X for high school students. Have fun being the actor in your own animation and have the chance to win a Wacom Pro tablet (valued at $550) for your school.
Find out more: www.theanimationmasterclass.eventbrite.com.au.
Hockey Dad student collaboration
Thanks to our partnership with BMG, this year’s Festival X features a preview of a new project with Aussie surf rock legends, Hockey Dad. Hockey Dad and School of Creative Industries students from music and communication partnered in a weeklong collaboration which saw the band working closely with students on an exciting new creative project. This is the beginning of something very cool so don’t miss this music doco, directed by Dr Stuart McBratney.
WHEN: Saturday 14 November at 6.30pm.
Don't Read This on a Plane - Special screening with Director Q&A
Event Cinemas and the School of Creative Industries proudly present this special screening of Dr Stuart McBratney's latest feature film, Don't Read This on a Plane. The film will be followed by Q&A with the Director in the VMAX cinema at Event Cinemas Kotara.
WHEN: Sunday 15 November at 6.30pm. Book now: https://dontreadthisonaplane.eventbrite.com.au
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.