The submission deadline for the 2009 Lifelong Learning Awards was June 1, so GSCA is no longer accepting entries. Details for next year's awards will be posted in early 2010.
Criteria for each category and submission templates are available below. A PDF of the criteria is available here: 2009 LIfelong Learning Awards Criteria
If you have questions about the awards, please contact Gretchen Jaspering.
BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM BY A THEATER
One educational program which best represents the development and presentation of a complete educational experience using giant screen film, exhibits, educational materials, and other media or materials will be awarded the Best Educational Program. Theaters and distributors are encouraged to partner on a submission. Entries will be solicited from the GSCA membership.
Entries must be associated with a giant screen film per the following eligibility criteria: "To be eligible, films must have been: a) produced in their original form specifically for giant screen theaters; b) premiered in giant screen theaters before being released identically or in some variation for other types of presentation formats; and c) released and played at a member’s theater from May 1, 2007, to April 30, 2009. Also a film cannot be eligible for a specific award that it has won in the past."
Criteria below set by the Life Long Learning Committee will guide the committee members in their judging:
(a) The educational program shall originate from the giant screen film utilizing exhibits, educational materials, and other media or materials.
(b) The educational program enhances and introduces new perspectives for films, exhibits, educational materials, and other means or materials.
(c) The educational program uses familiar starting points, but stretches viewer interests and extends their knowledge.
(d) The educational program motivates viewer interest in the film's topic and related subject matter.
(e) The educational program is entertaining and compelling.
(f) The educational program provides a variety of experiences to meet the needs of viewers of different ages and from different backgrounds.
(g) The educational program contains an effective educational component identifying resources for further learning.
(h) If applicable, the educational program reaches out to diverse ethnic/racial groups, world cultures.
Each GSCA Member can enter as many times as they would like.
Entries must be received by June 1.
All languages are eligible.
All entries must be submitted electronically on a CD. Please do not send your submission on a DVD. Send GSCA a total of eight CDs. Each CD should contain one copy of your complete award entry. GSCA will distribute CDs to the judges, one CD will remain at the GSCA office as a master copy of your entry, and one copy will be sent to the Awards Gala producer. Hardcopy submissions will not be accepted. A PowerPoint template is included here for your entry. You may use it as it appears or customize it to fit your needs. If you have problems downloading the template, please contact Kelly Germain. Please click here to download the template: Best Educational Program by a Theater Template
Send eight copies of your submission to:
Gretchen Jaspering
Giant Screen Cinema Association
750 Meadow Cliff Drive
St. Charles, MO 63303
United States
Entries must be shipped via some traceable means such as UPS, Federal Express, or Registered Mail and must be prepaid. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted. Entrants located outside the United States must assume responsibility for clearing entries through US and/or other customs fees. GSCA is not liable for lost or damaged entries.
Judging will take place in June and July.
Contact Gretchen Jaspering at gretchenjaspering@giantscreencinema.com if you have questions about the awards.
Notice: Do not send original materials. Entries will not be returned. Entries will remain in the GSCA library and will be shared with other GSCA members. Entries may be duplicated. The author of the entry may sign a disclaimer that duplication can be used for information only and cannot be printed or used for advertising or for any marketing activities of any kind without the written permission from the author.
BEST FILM FOR LEARNING
One film, which best represents the development and presentation of giant screen film experiences from a lifelong learning point of view, will be awarded the Best Film for Learning. An online ballot link will be sent to the voting contact person at each member organization.
The ballot will include all giant screen films as per the following eligibility criteria: "To be eligible, films must have been: a) produced in their original form specifically for giant screen theaters; b) premiered in giant screen theaters before being released identically or in some variation for other types of presentation formats, and c) released and played at a member’s theater from May 1, 2008, to April 30, 2009. Also, a film cannot be eligible for a specific award that it has won in the past."
Criteria below set by the Lifelong Learning Committee will guide voters in their selection:
(a) The film conveys useful information and/or dispels misconceptions and encourages reflective/critical thinking.
(b) The film introduces new roles and perspectives.
(c) The film uses familiar starting points but stretches viewer interests and extends their knowledge.
(d) The film is entertaining and compelling.
(e) The film motivates viewer interest in the film's topic.
(f) The film provides a variety of experiences to meet the needs of viewers of different ages and from different backgrounds.
(g) The film provides effective educational resources for further learning.
(h) The film aspires to be meaningful to multinational audiences and languages.
Voters will select one film on the ballot that will be sent to member voting contacts in mid-May.
Contact Gretchen Jaspering if you have questions about the awards.