Reels Competition

Festival of ‘Public’ Urbanism 2024

As part of the 2024 Festival of “Public” Urbanism, the Henry Halloran Research Trust is hosting the Festival of Urbanism Instagram Reels Competition. All university students across NSW are welcome to participate. 

Entries must engage with the Festival theme of ‘public’ urbanism. In interpreting this theme, you may be guided by the suggested prompts below, but are not bound by them. 

Instagram Reels will be initially be judged by the following aspects: quality of the visual production and engagement with the Festival theme.

There will be a cash prize for the winning entry.  

All entries will be assessed by the judging panel prior to sharing shortlisted reels via our Festival of Urbanism Instagram account. So, get your cameras rolling, and let your vision of ‘public’ urbanism shine through in a format that’s engaging and shareable! 

The event has been coordinated with PIA Young Planners and the Student Urbanism Society (USYD).

Timetable


19th August - Submissions Open


4th October - Submissions Deadline


17th October - Screening and Awards Event


Film Topics suggestions

1. The Role of Public Architecture and Design in Shaping Cities.  

This theme invites you to explore how public architecture and thoughtful design influence the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of urban life. We encourage you to contemplate the impact of well-designed public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure on our cities and communities. 

2. Australia’s Housing Crisis: A Failure of Public Policy or the Market? 

This theme challenges you to delve into the complex factors behind the housing crisis in Australia. Investigate and portray how public policies and market dynamics contribute to the current state of housing, and explore potential solutions. 

3. Public Spaces and Community Well-being 

This theme invites you to explore the crucial role that public spaces play in enhancing the well-being of urban communities. Highlight how well-designed public spaces contribute to social interaction, cultural activities, and overall quality of life in cities. 

4. Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Urban Life and Governance  

This theme invites you to explore how digital platforms and technologies are reshaping urban living and governance. Investigate the implications of AI, VR, automated vehicles, or platforms such as Uber or Airbnb  for how we live, work, travel, socialise, and participate in our cities and regions. 

5. sUrprise us!

What does ‘public’ urbanism mean to you?  

Judging panel

  • Bill Code is a filmmaker and former journalist, currently producing housing-focussed documentary 'The Renters', hosted by comedian Mark Humphries and supported by Screen NSW. He also teaches journalism and media at the University of Sydney.

  • Akshaisankar Sabu is an Urban Designer with over six years of experience in the design sector, holding a background in architecture and graphic design. He currently works as an Urban Designer at DesignInc and is an active member of the NSW Young Planners committee, contributing to the media team. With expertise in visual communication and digital arts, Akshaisankar brings a well-rounded perspective to his work.  

  • Malavika Muralidharan is the Events Manager at the Student Urbanism Society and is currently in her second year of a master's degree in urbanism. Her background is rooted in architecture, which she studied for her bachelor's degree. Malavika is drawn to urban design within urbanism, fuelled by a passion for creating functional, sustainable, and accessible urban spaces that incorporate a sense of playfulness beyond mere functionality. She is particularly fascinated by how urban design can enhance community interactions and improve the overall quality of life in cities.

    Sonya Gupta is currently the Vice President of the Student Urbanism Society and in her second year of the Masters of Urbanism, Urban Design at the University of Sydney. Her work is driven by a profound passion for transforming the built environment, with a particular focus on the intersection of climate, societal, and technological aspects. She is deeply committed to understanding and respecting the diverse needs and cultural values that shape our urban spaces.

Competition Details

  • All NSW University students with a valid student email are eligible to enter. All entries must be emailed to us from your student email before the submission deadline.

    • Clip length should be up to 1 minute  

    • MP4 file  

    1. Email halloran.admin@sydney.edu.au your expression of interest, from your student email address, with the following details: 

      • Your full name 

      • Course/degree you are enrolled in 

      • Short (up to 200 word) description/statement of your film (response to the theme)

      • Your film in MP4 via downloadable link 

    2. Selected films will be shared via our Instagram account @festivalofurbanism 

    3. PIA Young Planners and Sydney Urbanism Student Society will be judging the films and select the winning clip 

  • 2x Highly commended $250 JB HiFi cash voucher 

    1x Best Production $500 JB HiFi cash voucher 

Past Film competition Winners

2023 Winners

Best Production


Cockatoo Island by Abhinav Konde, University of Sydney

Highly Commended


Life at the Riverfront by Secil Taskoparan Stassi, Monash University

Roadside Fine-Dine by Tanvi Patel, University of Sydney

2022

Best Production


[dys][u]topia by Sheyla Pandzo, Monash University

Highly Commended


Merrifield - A Blank Canvas? by Daniel Cooper, Monash University

Future Urbanism by Tanvi Patel, University of Sydney

2021

Best Direction: Recognising excellence in visual storytelling


Notes from a Suburb by Saskia Vernon, University of Sydney

Best Production: Recognising excellence in cinematography, editing and production design


The Remaining People by Bora Kim, University of Sydney

Highly Commended: Recognising excellent achievement overall in an ambitious project


The Endangered Public Park by Laura Kleine Butron, University of Sydney

(un)habitable circulation by Vera Xia, University of Sydney

For more information, contact Linda Wang: linda.wang@sydney.edu.au