April 26, 2010 - Volcom Announces ECOmmercial Winners

This past Sunday, Volcom recognized the winners of the ECOmercial contest. The contest, open to all Orange County high school students, encouraged aspiring filmmakers to create a short environmental PSA.

Volcom and L.E.A.F.'s (Leaders of Environmental Action Films) ECOmmercial winners were honored Sunday at the 20th Annual Upper Newport Bay Earth Day Celebration.  The annual celebration, organized by Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends, was held at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center overlooking Newport's beautiful Back Bay.

Mattan Cohen won for his commercial called "Change the Future," a grim reminder than we can't rewind time. Second place went to Jay Salahi, whose commercial titled "Spread the Flowers" showed how a small act could inspire others.  Cohen and Salahi worked closely to create their commercials. Third place went to Austin Silvers for "Ecocide" and fourth place went to Uriel for "Mother Nature Will Thank You."

Cohen, from Irvine, said, "We wanted to make something that had a special edge and sent a powerful message. The competition got us moving." He and Salahi also worked closely on the short "Big Brother", which played Sunday night at the Volcom Youth Showcase in the Newport Beach Film Festival. 

After the screening, the boys were given the opportunity to talk about their commercials.  Silvers had the most touching story as he told of the trash and dead animals he saw surfing every day. "[My commercial] had a narrow scope but it was important," he said.

Recent Academy Award winner Charles Hambleton presented the awards and commended the boys for their effort. Hambleton, associate producer for the anti-dolphin-hunting documentary The Cove, joked, "I hope whoever wins the Seaworld Prize watches The Cove before they go."

Volcom's V.co-logical Series, L.E.A.F, Newport Beach Film Festival, Inside the Outdoors Foundation, Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends and OC Parks sponsored the contest.

Danielle Stowe is a writer for GGN. She can be reached at daniellestowe@gmail.com.