VCE Media

Australian Teachers of Media Award Finalist

It started on a plane home from Vietnam. Now that moment has become "Crisis", a short film by Nathan Truong and a finalist at this year’s ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) Awards.

Nathan is a Year 11 student completing Year 12 Media through the early start program. His film follows Tommy, a teenager who comes home from holiday feeling empty. 

With his 18th birthday around the corner, he sets out on a hike to recapture what he felt while he was away, and ends up having to accept something he didn’t expect. 

The film explores the moment adolescence starts giving way to adulthood, and looks at identity and belonging through the eyes of a child of immigrant parents caught between two cultures.

Nathan has been named a finalist in two categories:

• Cinematography Award: The Ted’s Visual Excellence Award

• Best Sound Design/Original Score: Sound and Music Award

   

It’s a significant achievement for a student studying Year 12 a year early. Nathan, his family and friends are invited to the Awards evening at ACMI, Federation Square, on Friday 30th October, where he’ll find out if he takes home an award. If you’d like to watch, a free online streaming ticket is available here.

Congratulations, Nathan. It’s been a joy to watch your creativity and dedication turn into a story that will resonate with other young people. 

A shoutout also to fellow Wantirna College students Oscar Janssen, for his acting and narration, and Zef Ewart, who composed original music for the film.

You can watch Crisis here (6m 30s).

Good luck Nathan! The college and I wish you all the successes on the night.

Benn Pollock

Leader of Visual Arts & Technology