VCE Top Screens

2025 Celebrating Jackson Bertram

On Friday 21 March, Jackson and I were invited to the premiere of ‘Top Screen 2025’ at ACMI, Federation square as part of the VCE Season of Excellence. 

Top Screen is a celebration of the best film and animation works from across the state of Victoria, produced as part of the VCE Media curriculum. With Year 12 Media, students have the option to select from a range of media forms for their school assessed task, with film/animation most often being the popular choice. 

This year, 2024 VCE Media alumni, Jackson Bertram was selected for his short film ‘The Culling’ as one of only 13 student works from across the state, out of over 350 film and animation submissions. This is a fantastic achievement for Jackson, highlighting his exceptional abilities as one of the top student film makers across the state. 

Over the course of 2024, as Jackson’s teacher, it was a pleasure to support him across his journey from concept through to the development of his final production. Jackson was joined on the evening by some of the stars of the film, Nathan Bromfield, Emily Gray & Abby Bertram. It was great to have them in attendance to support Jackson and his work. A shout-out also to Chloe Roldan and Logan Papenfuss who also played pivotal roles within the film but could not attend on the evening. 

Jackson’s short film will be presented as part of the 2025 VCE Season of Excellence at both ACMI and the Melbourne Museum until May. As part of the Top Screens showcase, a People’s Choice is awarded at the end to the film who receives the most votes from audiences. 

To vote for Jackson’s film ‘The Culling’ visit https://bit.ly/TopScreen2025.

To view Jackson’s film, check it on YouTube Here. 

VCE Media Excursion

On Wednesday 2 April, Yr 11 & 12 VCE Media students visited Top Screen 2025, where they were able to view the amazing talent of the 2024 VCE Media students from across the state in film and animation. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired for their future productions.

After the screening of the films, students were involved in a Q & A session with four students whose work featured in Top Screen, including 2024 Wantirna College alumni, Jackson Bertram. It was a great opportunity to hear from these student film makers, hearing tips and tricks on how to approach the assessment, ask questions and learn about the challenges along the way. 

Later in the day, students were tasked with a short 30 minute photography activity, where they were to work in small teams around Fed Square/Flinders St, taking photos based on the provided list of prompts. These included Low & Dramatic, Reflected Reality and Framed Light to name a few. Students demonstrated creativity and teamwork throughout the task.

Students ended the day with a visit to ACMI, this time to view the Story of the Moving Image exhibit. This interactive exhibit allowed students to be foley artists, play retro games connected to Australia and view a wide range of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of moving image. Overall, it was a fantastic day out and I hope students were able to take away some inspiration from the talented film makers and amazing exhibits on display.

I look forward to seeing the amazing products the VCE Media Class of 2025 produces.

Benn Pollock

Leader of Art & Technology