The power of film
They always say that communities across the globe are often united by film, but what about generations. Film is a powerful medium that can unite cultures, bridge generation gaps and open doors. However the use of film as a medium of expression is often seen as an adult world, but the leaders of tomorrow are increasingly using their voices and visions to share messages of hope, empowerment and inspire change across the globe.
In honor of the power of film and youth, UNICEF established International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, which is celebrated across the globe each March. You can see a list of children’s film festivals around the world from their blog here.
So why not share your youthful wisdom and voice and harness the power of film. Here is a list of upcoming youth film contests you can participate in:
- Deadline extended to 30 August – Convention on the Rights of the Child Video Contest
UNICEF wants to see what you think about children’s rights! It’s the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the document which spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. Make a video showing what child rights mean to you, whether in the world at large, your country, your community or you personally. Videos must be one minute in length and will be judged by professionals and youth from around the world. The winning video will be used in the CRC’s 20th anniversary celebration and made available for broadcast around the world for the 2010 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting. Deadline is 30 August 2009. For more information, visit www.unicef.org/voy/takeaction/takeaction_4439.html.
- PLURAL+ video festival
Youth ages 9 to 25 are invited to submit short videos promoting harmony in diverse societies to the PLURAL+ video festival, to be held at the Paley Center for Media in New York City on December 18. PLURAL+ is a video festival for youth-produced media aimed at building a more inclusive, tolerant society. The festival will address key issues in today’s youth communities, such as migrant integration, inclusiveness, identity, diversity, human rights and social cohesiveness. Deadline for submitting entries is 30 September 2009. For more information, visit http://www.unaoc.org/content/view/346/257/lang,en.html.
- “See the Bigger Picture” Photo Contest on Biodiversity
Youth around the world are invited to enter the “See the Bigger Picture” photography contest by submitting images illustrating plants, animals or anything else that captures biodiversity. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., and will meet with renowned photojournalist and contest judge Joel Sartore. The contest is open to all kids around the world, although age limits differ by region. Submit one colour image that you think captures the spirit or idea of biodiversity; your image should show people why biodiversity is a good thing that we should try to preserve. Entries must be received by 8 September 2009. For more information visit: http://www.seethebiggerpicture.org/photo-contest-info.php.
- Videotivoli International Video Festival for Children and Young People
The international kids and youngsters film event, Videotivoli, takes place for the seventh time in the spring of 2010, 8-13 March, in Tampere. At the same time, the Nordic and Baltic Kids for Kids competition will be held for the third time. The festival is looking for films less than 10 minutes long, made by people under 16 years of age. The subjects and styles of the films is open. Videotivoli offers its young artists a chance to show their work. It’s also an opportunity to meet others, to talk and attend practical media education. The deadline to submit films is 15 November 2009. For further information send email to [email protected] or visit http://www.videotivoli.fi/english09/index.htm.
- MEDEA Award for Creativity and Innovation – European Year of Creativity and Innovation
The MEDEA Award for Creativity and Innovation, set up to coincide with the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 (EYCI), is an award for the creative and innovative use of media in education. MEDA invites applications from anyone who considers their use of media in education and training to be creative and/or innovative. This includes in the classroom where media is used in different ways to enhance learning or in lifelong learning centres where trainers use media creatively to help learners explore new opportunities. It also includes groups of students who are working together on projects using media to explore and understand the world in a more creative way. Deadline for applications is 30 September 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.medea-awards.com/medea-award-for-creativity-and-innovation.
Children’s film festivals and contests are not just entertainment mediums, but the launching pads for youthful ideas which can inspire all ages, they can ignite change. Youth films can help build democracy, create social change, and both unite and provide an understanding for youth across all political and cultural boundaries.
