This spring, students from 25 high schools across the country took on the challenge to use 360° video to make an impact. The 360 Filmmakers Challenge, a partnership between Oculus VR for Good and Digital Promise Global, invites students to share their communities, inspire action for change, or spur learning using immersive video and storytelling.
Today, we are thrilled to recognize and share a few of the top films. All films were reviewed by a judging panel of professional 360° filmmakers, and each production team received feedback on their film. Three films were selected for awards, and four received honorable mentions. The films below represent the broad spectrum of creative responses that students produced, from a public service announcement about human trafficking, to an exploration of isolation and the power of community, to a celebration of diversity and multiculturalism.
“Out of the Blue”
Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco, CA
Winner of the Community Matters Award
Out of the Blue
"Every person has their highs and lows. Sometimes it takes a community to make someone feel like they matter," wrote student producers at Bay Area Video Coalition. Congrats to these students for creating an emotionally powerful film (with an original score!) that won the Community Matters Award!
Posted by Oculus 360 Challenge on Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Learn more about this film
“Human Trafficking”
Kettering Fairmont High School in Kettering, OH
Winner of the Make Waves Award
https://www.facebook.com/oculus360challenge/videos/476292202724699/
Learn more about this film
“Gentrification in the Bay Area”
Carlmont High School in Belmont, CA
Winner of the Learn & Grow Award
Gentrification in the Bay Area
Student producers created this film to inform viewers of the main causes of gentrification and the resulting vulnerability of communities. Learn about gentrification by watching their film, which won the Learn & Grow Award this spring!
Posted by Oculus 360 Challenge on Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Learn more about this film
Honorable Mentions
- For Outstanding Use of Audio Design – “Do They Have To?” Seattle World School in Seattle, WA
- For Powerful Performances – “Rotate,” Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco, CA
- For Excellent Use of Voiceover – “We Are Global Citizens,” Chief Sealth International High School in Seattle, WA
- For Exceptional Travel Immersion – “Community Tour,” Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, CA
Together with Oculus, we congratulate all student participants for diving into a new medium to express their perspectives and test the boundaries of 360° storytelling.
Join our mailing list or follow us on Facebook to receive updates about the 360 Filmmakers Challenge. If you are a teacher or an administrator interested in engaging your students in the 360 Filmmakers Challenge, let us know by signing up here.
