“Ecological” shorts in the Varese Festival

The new creation by Cortisonici is called Ecopremio. The Varese Festival of Short Films, which, from 14-21 April, will be back for its ninth year, has established a new prize for the section dedicated to young people. This year, an award will be given to the best short film on the topic of cutting waste or on environmental sustainability.

This award seems to be the natural evolution of the nine years’ collaboration with schools in Varese, and with organizations like the environmental association Legambiente. “Over these years, we’ve noticed that many of the products created by schools were on topics related to the environment,” explained Massimo Lazzaroni of Cortisonici. “So, we decided to give them their own section, and this emphasises two aspects, on the one hand, the importance of educating with the use of audiovisual means, and therefore, conveying a message, on the other, the technical potential that these short films have. Until 31 January 2012, schools and social cooperatives that work in the educational sector will be able to enrol and take part in a competition that has gone far beyond the province’s borders. Cortisonici was created as a competition for directors from all over the world, and every year, has been a success with the people Varese and elsewhere. Thus, the Ecopremio will be included in an international festival, that presents new ideas every year, but also in a more territorial context, as William Malnati, the President of ASPEM (a multi-utilities company), explained. “This initiative fits perfectly with the work that we do with young people, increasing awareness of the environment, correct waste disposal and the responsible use of water. That’s why we decided to join this project immediately.”

“It’s an invitation to the schools and new generations, to examine very important topics, to send effective messages to people of their age and to adults,” explained Dino De Simone of Legambiente. So, there is room for imagination and for the “eco” short, which, last year, was anticipated by other initiatives on the environment, like the use of recyclable materials, and the use of bicycles to get around town during the festival.