Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, and NPS MedicineWise are pleased to announce a stellar judging panel for #savethescript—the industry-first short film competition created to help raise awareness and fight antibiotic resistance this cold and flu season.

NPS MedicineWise and Tropfest have partnered to encourage creative individuals or groups to help spread a vital health message to Australians that, through misuse and overuse, antibiotics are losing their power.

The independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (commissioned by the UK Government) described antibiotic resistance as ‘a global public health threat [which] should arguably receive the same kind of public focus HIV/AIDS received in the 1990s or cancer research receives today’. The #savethescript short film competition provides a new avenue for the crucial awareness raising that is needed now.

The #savethescript judges were invited to be involved in this campaign for their experience in strategic message delivery through medical, marketing, film and television platforms. All judges have donated their time in support of this important awareness-raising campaign.

The judges will vote on which entries have delivered impactful, insightful and creative messaging on this serious health issue. The winning films will share a prize pool of $10,000 in cash prizes as well as global exposure for the winning films via Tropfest’s platforms.

Proudly announcing the #savethescript judging panel:

•  Dr Andrew Rochford, Seven Network Health Editor and medical doctor
•  Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall, rock guitarist and radio presenter
•  Iggy Rodriguez, Creative Group Head at Leo Burnett
•  Dan Uglow, Editorial Director of B&T
•  Alyssa McClelland, director and actress
•  Michael Laverty, International Managing Director of Tropfest
•  Dr Lynn Weekes AM, Chief Executive Officer NPS MedicineWise

Judge Iggy Rodgriguez about #savethescript said: “A great social cause with a timely reminder coming into winter, what better reason to create an inspiring piece of film”. And judge Alyssa McClelland said: “I am thrilled to be involved with a short film competition that carries such an important message. This is an incredibly serious health issue and I cannot wait to see the films that have been entered”.

The good news is it’s not too late to submit a film. Make a short film/community service announcement (CSA) of up to 45 seconds and upload to one of your social media accounts such as Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Make sure the film is available for public viewing, tag @NPSMedicineWise and include the hashtag #savethescript in the description. To find out more, for terms and conditions and to submit your entry visit winteriscoming.nps.org.au