FAQS

What's the time limit?

The activity and day planner are both designed to be completed over one normal school day (between April 28 and July 4). All docos must be finalised and submitted in a maximum of 8 hours (this is an honour system, please be honest!).

Will students receive a brief?

Every participating school and team will receive the same brief and the same amount of time (one school day) and therefore, the same opportunity to create a winning doco. Students will receive a brief and content to choose from including still shots, B-Roll, statistics, audio files, and stories supplied by Edmund Rice Foundation project partners.

how long should the doco be?

Students are asked to create a three minute mini doco. There’s no minimum length, but we strongly advise all films are over one minute. Docos over three minutes will be judged, but only up to the three minute mark.

Will students need any special equipment?

The entire activity can be done using an iPhone (or similar) and free-to-download iMovie software. Beyond this, students are welcome to use their initiative — laptops, other video editing software and microphones can all be used (but are not necessary).

How many students can be in a team?

A maximum of 4 students per team, and we recommend 3-4 per team — however, students are able to do the project alone if they wish.

Is there an age limit?

Any student between Grades 7-12 are welcome to take part.

What schools are eligible to participate?

The competition is open to all EREA schools in Australian states or territories. Please be mindful that students must be in Grades 7-12 to participate.

do you have to be a teacher to be a coordinator?

No, you do not have to be a teacher. You could be employed as a social worker, art therapist, media officer, teacher aide, or another supporting role within the school.

There can be multiple coordinators for each school.

What are the prizes?

The winners of Best Doco will win an immersion trip to East Africa to see the impact of their work first-hand. Teams are between 1-4 and a maximum of 4 students will go on immersion, accompanied by a teacher.


Second best submission will win a $500 JB Hi-Fi voucher.

The Top Fundraising Team after the cutoff of July 4 will win a $1,000 JB Hi-Fi voucher.

Thee top fundraising Student (whether participating alone or in a Team) after the cutoff of July 4 will win a $500 JB Hi-Fi voucher.

When are the winners announced?

The two winning teams will be announced a few weeks after the Competition Window to allow time for judging — this will be in Term 3.

What happens to the docos?

After submission, students can use their docos to bolster their fundraising efforts. Films can be showcased by schools and Edmund Rice Foundation to raise awareness and funds.

Does each student create a fundraising page, or each team?

There is one fundraising page per documentary. Each team will share a fundraising page. If you're working alone, you will also create a fundraising page.

How do students create a fundraising page?

Once you’ve registered as a student, you will be able to customise your individual profile or join a team.

If you're part of a group, one member of your team should create a team fundraising page using the link on the individual page. Then, other team members can join the team fundraising page.

You can download the QR code or share the link to gather donations from your fundraising page.

What if someone wants to donate with cash or cheques?

Cash and cheques are welcome. The easiest way is to collect the cash or cheques yourself, pay it into your own account and then add it to your fundraising page.

Where do the funds go?

Edmund Rice Foundation is an international development organisation that supports sustainable community-based education programs in developing countries and projects for marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Australia. Our work places education at its heart.

Find out more at erf.org.au