The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today congratulated the makers of Tagged and Quiet Signs of Love for winning first prize at two international film festivals.

Tagged, made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), is a short film that helps educate young people about cyberbullying, sexting, and how to protect themselves online. It has won the gold medal at the World Media Festival in Hamburg, and a silver medal in New York in April.

Quiet Signs of Love tells the love story of two characters, one of whom is deaf. It was made to help raise awareness about the National Relay Service, a Commonwealth Government initiative that enables people who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairments, to communicate by phone. Quiet Signs of Love won the award for Best Short Film (hearing directors category) at the Rome Deaf Film Festival, Cinedeaf.

"These two wonderful films have taken on the world's best and won. Congratulations to everyone involved in their production, including the ACMA and the National Relay Service," Senator Conroy said.

"I urge all Australians to go online and watch the films. Both make for compelling viewing. They not only draw you in and hold your attention, but have strong educational messages as well."

Tagged forms part of the Gillard Government's Cybersafety Plan. This is a comprehensive strategy to combat online risks to children and help parents and educators protect children from inappropriate material.

"I believe Tagged is so effective and has been duly rewarded because it was produced with the input of school children, including members of the Government's Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety (YAG). This gives the film a realism that many younger Australians can immediately relate to.

"I also want to congratulate those involved in the Quiet Signs of Love, which is in the running for another award. The film is one of only five nominees in the drama category of the Webby Awards at the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. I wish them all the best and hope they achieve another great success."