Sikh Coalition Diversity Competition
Background The Sikh Coalition is holding its first annual Diversity Video Competition. The competition commences July 1, 2010 and ends October 1, 2010. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and have his/her film premiered at the Sikh Arts and Film Festival in New York City this October! The deadline for entry is September 15, 2010. This year’s Video Competition will be held in lieu of the Coalition’s Diversity Essay Competition launched in 2004. The purpose of our new competition is to encourage the public to engage in a dialogue on diversity issues through a visual and artistic lens. No film experience is required to participate, and people of all ages are encouraged to submit. Purpose The purpose of the Diversity Video Competition is to provide the public a space in which they may engage in an artistic dialogue on civil rights issues, stereotypes, and myths surrounding minority groups (with a particular anchor in the Sikh experience). It is in this space that submitters may explore, interpret, and express their takes on a specific struggle facing minorities, as highlighted by the prompt. A panel of judges will narrow down all entries to the top two videos (Phase 1). Once this judging period ends, the public will be given the opportunity (and encouraged!) to view both videos and vote for the first-prize winner (Phase 2). It is through this artistic dialogue between submitters, judges, and the public that the Coalition wishes to help dissolve ignorance and spread awareness of discriminated minorities, as well as a desire to embrace their diversity. Topic Today in the United States, especially since the events of 9/11, the turban has been often associated with terrorist groups, including Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban, and others. However, the vast majority of people who wear turbans in the US are not terrorists, but Sikhs – and their appearance, although similar, often marks them for discrimination. Because of this appearance, Sikhs, as well as many minority groups in America have had to struggle to impart the message: you can’t judge a book by its cover. Referencing Sikh American and other minority experiences, please create a 5 minute video (or less) that explores the statement, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Competition Phases Phase 1: Once all entries have been received, the judging period will begin. A panel of three judges will narrow down all submissions to a first and a second prize winner. Phase 2: Once the top-two submissions have been selected, they will be loaded online so that the public may vote for their favorite video. The voting period will occur at the end of September. An email will be sent to the Sikh Coalition listserv once both videos are available for a public vote. The winner will be announced on October 1, 2010. Awards All entries will be eligible for the following awards: * First Place: $1000.00 In addition, the 1st prize winner will: * Have his/her film premiered at the Sikh Art and Film Festival in October, an annual NYC-based festival conceived to shed light on the Sikh experience Judging Criteria |
Deadline: Grand Prize: Total Prizes: Qualifications: |