The Pro Carton Student Video Award celebrates the filmmaking and storytelling talents of students across Europe

The winners of the Pro Carton Student Video Award 2024 were announced at the annual awards gala in Berlin, Germany on the 19th of September.  The award underscores the significance of encouraging and nurturing young talent in filmmaking, and advocates environmentally conscious choices.  Students were tasked to create a short film highlighting the benefits of carton and cartonboard, in an inventive, visionary way.

After receiving over 100 entries from universities all over Europe, the esteemed judging panel – consisting of award-winning film producer Bady Minck; former CEO and chairman of several advertising agencies Simon Bolton; and Pro Carton’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Winfried Muehling – reviewed and judged all entries. The rigorous criteria included judging videos on visual quality, choice of music, themes shown, and communicating the environmental benefits of cartons.

Alongside the jury awards, more than 1,800 votes were received to decide the Public Award winner from fifteen shortlisted entries.

Securing Top Honors

This year’s winner of the Pro Carton Student Video Award 2024 was ‘Second Chance’, filmed and edited by Anastasiia Klinova, Artemii Ivanov, Mayya Kucherova, Arsenii Nikolskii, and Max Julius Löwe from SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

“Second Chance” is a short film set in a hospital that explores the unexpected ways in which everyday objects can bring people together. The story centres around a cleaner and a patient who form an unlikely bond through the versatilityof cartonboard.

Initially focused on the environmental benefits of cartonboard, the film’s creators decided to delve deeper into the material’s potential to inspire and connect people. Through a series of heartwarming encounters, the video showcases how cartonboard can be used in creative and meaningful ways, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Judge Bady Minck commented: “Very touching about a sick girl who gets well again through cardboard handicrafts carton has healing power”

Public Award

The Public Award goes to “A Carton’s Perspective” by Emily Klein and Brandon Escalona. This film follows the journey of a cardboard package through the recycling process, guided by a character that emerges from the packaging itself. As viewers accompany this character through each crucial step of recycling, they gain a deeper understanding of the process from a unique perspective.

Set in a world made entirely of cardboard, this stop-motion film emphasizes the importance of recycling and the advantages of using cardboard packaging. By presenting the process in an engaging and personal way, the film aims to inspire a greater appreciation for sustainable practices.

Highly Commended

The Pro Carton Student Video Award 2024 Highly Commended entry was “Never Underestimate Carton”. This video is a playful parody of “Edamame” by bbno$ and Rich Brian. It highlights the recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of cartonboard. The video features fun props and energetic dance moves to educate viewers in a memorable way.

By presenting the information in a musicalformat, the creators hope to encourage viewers to replay the video and internalise the message. Ultimately, the goal is to educate people about
sustainability in a playful and engaging manner, inspiring them to make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.

Commended

For our first commended performance, our judges have chosen “What do young people know about Carton?” by Sebastian Feytl, Jannis Koehling & Nicolas Schwarz. This entry is a fun and informative video that aims to educate young people about the ecofriendliness and recycling process of cartonboard. The video features street interviews in which participants are asked to arrange stickers depicting the cartonboard life cycle in the correct order, plus answer questions about the benefits of cartonboard.

Through this interactive approach, the video aims to raise awareness about the importance of recycling cartonboard and its positive impact on the environment. The video is designed to be both entertaining and informative, making it an engaging learning experience for viewers of all ages.

Commended

With our second commended performance, our judges have chosen the funky “Pro Carton Rap” by David Reidl & Alessia Weber. This rap-style music video showcases the benefits of folding carton to a young audience. Through a catchy song and visually appealing visuals, the video highlights the ecological aspects of carton, including its recyclability and positive environmental impact. The video features fast-paced editing, creative transitions, and props made from repurposed cartonboard.

The music was entirely produced by the creators, incorporating self-written lyrics and unique sound effects created by waving a large sheet of carton in front of a microphone.

Video Name Entrant/s School/University
A Carton’s Perspective Emily Klein and Brandon Escalona FH Joanneum, Austria
Together in This Damla Doga Ozyurt, Nevra Bahar Hasgüvenç, Öykü Çise Çancı, Aslı Gül Gün, and Mertcan Aydoğmuş Middle East Technical University, Turkey
Never underestimate carton: an eco rap Gloria Schauer, Julia Scheucher, and Sara Celen (Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt) Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
Second Chance Anastasiia Klinova, Artemii Ivanov, Mayya Kucherova, Arsenii Nikolskii, and Max Julius Löwe SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Lèvres – Find Your Tone Elvira Alm Andersson and Barbara Lübek-Kacperczyk Nackademin, Sweden
A Second Chance Maddie Webb University of Surrey, UK
The Cartonboard Couch Tamara Unterrichter and Sarah Neumayer (Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt) Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
What do young people know about Carton? Sebastian Feytl, Jannis Koehling, and Nicolas Schwarz Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
Pro Carton Rap David Reidl, David Reidl, and Alessia Weber Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
Think inside the Box – A Book’s Journey Lucia Potz and Melissa Weghofer Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
Packaging for a better world…of cake Luna Hörstlhofer Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
Carton World – (Music Video) David Stanarevic, Fabio Wamprechtsamer, and Moritz Scharl Höhere Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, Austria
In a Carton World Yann Krambs, Jeanne Lilja, and Reppert Melanie SRH, School of Applied Sciences Berlin, Germany
A Song About Carton (Go For Carton) Juliana Rasolomiarana Justus Liebig Universität Gießen, Germany
The Recycle Monster Georgia Rushforth Leeds Art University, UK