How to Enter

Rules and Guidelines

1. Eligibility

The 'What's Your Story' Digital Storytelling Award is open to all post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. There is no need to register in advance – simply make your film and enter before closing date in line with the below criteria. The theme for this year's award is 'Connected'.

2. Film Time Limit

Films submitted must be no longer than 3 minutes in length (excluding credits). Any films that exceed this time limit will not be eligible.

3. Entry Form

The class teacher must complete the entry form and attach this to your email along with your film. This must then be emailed to whatsyourstory@oide.ie

Entry Forms are available to download at this link - http://tinyurl.com/WYSEntryForm

Please note: Group entries are capped at 3 students.

4. Film Format

The preferred file formats is MP4. When exporting your project, please save to the highest possible quality.

Please ONLY submit films with copyright free material / music. Thank you for your cooperation. If in any doubt, please refer to our resources to guide you.

Entries must be emailed to whatsyourstory@oide.ie

Please include the entry form and your film as an attachment. If the file is too large for an email, please compress the file using an online compressor or email the file to us through WeTransfer - https://wetransfer.com/

Please ensure to email a completed entry form also.

5. Closing Date

Completed entries must be submitted online on or before the 31st May 2024 at 5:00pm.

6. Consent & Release Forms

Consent forms for all students participating in the digital story must be signed by parents/guardians. Completed Consent & Release forms should be kept with the school's normal records. Completed consent forms should be retained by the school. These forms do not need to be sent to Oide. Your school is free to use their own consent form or use one of the templates in the 'Resources' section.

You will be asked to confirm that appropriate consent forms have been signed in advance of submitting your online entry.

8. Location Release Forms

Where digital stories are shot on location outside the school, schools should get written consent from property owners where necessary. Where necessary, completed location release forms should be retained by the school. These forms do not need to be sent to Oide. Your school is free to use their own consent form or use one of the templates in the 'Resources' section.

9. Copyrighted Material

The use of copyrighted visual material is not permitted, i.e. photographs, logos, insignias, branded items, etc. Please use creative commons copyright free material or original content. Use of copyrighted material including music, without written permission from author, artist and producers along with evidence of written permission, will lead to automatic disqualification.

10. Music Copyright

Schools should choose soundtracks that are either:

Original music created and recorded at school.

Please note: re-recording (i.e. singing and /or instrumental) and /or syncing to video of copyrighted material is in breach of copyright law.

Use copyright-free music available from audio libraries (such as YouTube) or music available for use via creative commons licence.

Please note: “available to download free” is not the same as copyright-free!

You will be asked to confirm that you have not used copyrighted material in your entry when filling in the online entry form.

11. Awards

Schools whose films are shortlisted for an award will be informed by email.

12. Judging Panel

The judging panel for the awards will be members of the Oide Languages and Literacy team. The decision of the judges is final.

13. Judging Criteria

When reviewing films submitted for the awards, judges will consider the following:

Imagination and creativity
Use of the target language
Use of digital technology
Narrative arc
Link to the theme of 'Connected'

14. Award Categories

Awards will be made in the categories of Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. One winner in each (Group or Individual).

15. Queries

Additional queries may be directed to info@oide.ie with 'What's Your Story MFL' in the subject line.