New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards has partnered with JusticeAid to support the Democracy 2020 Youth Film Challenge, produced by the Civic Life Project.
“This important initiative gives young filmmakers the opportunity to get involved and to create films that examine social justice issues and include a call to action around voting,” said Rose Anderson, VP and executive director, New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.
Natalie Jowett, chair of the JusticeAid Film Forum & JusticeAid Prizes, added, “Film and video are incredibly powerful media, and young people are using these tools to speak out on issues that affect their lives and futures. JusticeAid is honored to collaborate with New York Festivals in amplifying the voices and visions of young filmmakers. Access to the enormous platform offered by New York Festivals is a spectacular gift to these young directors.”
JusticeAid was formed in 2013 to promote justice through the arts and public engagement. JusticeAid combines education on social justice issues with events centered on music and the arts, to support civil rights warriors in their work for social justice causes.
The newly created JusticeAid Film Prize is a category within the Democracy 2020 Youth Film Challenge, a competition created by The Civic Life Project that awards youth filmmakers for their passion for social justice and civil rights. The Civic Life Project was founded in 2010 as a unique educational initiative to inspire high school and college students to learn about civics and to actively participate in the democratic process through documentary filmmaking.
“At Civic Life, we are passionate about inspiring youth to create and share compelling videos about issues which deeply affect their lives and communities. We believe young people’s voices, votes, and actions are vital to our future and affecting positive change,” said Catherine Tatge, co-founder of the Civic Life Project.
Anderson noted, “The JusticeAid Film Prize Winners have the power to be heard beyond the US. They will be seen by our international Grand Jury of award-winning filmmakers with the chance to earn a spot in the 2021 New York Festivals Winners Gallery.”
The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Prize winners awarded by JusticeAid will receive complimentary entry into the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Social Justice Student Category. Award winners will be honored at New York Festivals Storyteller’s Gala taking place at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas.
The Democracy 2020 Youth Film Challenge is free to enter and the deadline to submit entries is extended until August 14, 2020. To enter, visit here and to see current Challenge film submissions click here.
