A nationwide competition was launched yesterday (6 November), offering university students the chance to win £1,500 for making a video on metal can recycling.

Sponsored by the British Film Institute (BFI) and representatives for British manufacturers of beer and carbonated soft drink cans, the Can Makers, the ’Myth Busting – what happens to your drinks can when it’s recycled’ competition asks students to create a two-minute clip exploring the myths surrounding drinks can recycling.

The clips should address the myths about what happens to our drinks cans throughout the process of recycling, a subject which the sponsors say, is often misunderstood, and will be judged on how ‘creative, witty and informative’ they are.

The goal of the competition is to ‘inspire young people to educate themselves and each other’ on the importance of recycling and its processes and get more people involved in recycling .

Headed by British actor Danny Dyer, star of The Football Factory, the team of competition judges also includes: Defra’s Director for Waste Policy, Climate Adaptation and Atmosphere and Local Environment, Dr Colin Church; film critic for The Independent, Geoffrey Macnab; presenter and environmental filmmaker, Jamie Crawford; and BFI Education Programmer for Young People, Noel Goodwin..

Danny Dyer commented: “I’m massively excited to see what sort of crazy, creative videos the students put forward. And what a fresh way to help young people understand just how important recycling is. I can’t wait to get stuck into something that’s such a good cause. I’m expecting the students to really deliver the goods.”

As well as receiving £1,500 in prize money, the winner will also be ‘nationally recognised as a leading young filmmaker’.

Videos will also be considered for five sub-categories, each offering prizes of £500. These are for the: ‘wittiest’, ‘most creative’, ‘most informative’, ‘most visually appealing’, and ‘wildcard’.

Announcing the competition, Noel Goodwin, BFI Education Programmer for Young People, said: “Film is such an effective way of getting your voice heard and having your say on important issues. There are so many talented young people out there using the power of film to communicate their views and ideas and showcase their creativity that we’re bound to see some amazing short film entries. The BFI is very excited to be a supporter of the competition and we’re looking forward to showcasing the winning video once it’s been chosen.”

Geoff Courtney, Chairman of Can Makers, added: “As the most recycled drinks pack in the world, there is more to the humble beverage can than meets the eye. In the UK alone we get through 9.5 billion cans a year with a current recycle rate of nearly 60 per cent. Given that every part of a drinks can is infinitely recyclable without losing quality, our ultimate goal in supporting this competition is to increase recycling and raise awareness of the versatility of the can by inspiring students to educate themselves and their peers on the benefits of recycling.”

Film entries can be submitted via YouTube links or physical DVDs/CDs and must be submitted before Thursday 28th February 2013.

Entrants must provide their name, course name and University.

Find out more about the Myth Busting competition.