DGA President Michael Apted has been chosen to serve as jury co-chair for the Democracy Video Challenge (DVC), an online competition that promotes a global dialogue on democracy. Launched online and at the United Nations on International Democracy Day (September 15, 2008), the DVC invites citizens from around the world to engage in an online global dialogue on the nature of democracy by submitting three-minute videos that complete the phrase "Democracy is..."
"Film is a window into our common humanity - the challenges and joys that make up the universal human experience - no matter what language we speak or where we were born," said Apted. "The young filmmakers taking part in this challenge will harness the magic of this powerful art form to connect to people around the world in a global discussion on democracy."
As co-chair, Apted will oversee the independent jury's selection of 21 video finalists representing all regions of the world. The online voting public will then choose a winner from each region in the spring of 2009. The six Challenge winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC, New York, and Hollywood, and meet leaders from top U.S. film schools, government and nongovernmental organizations. In addition, winners will participate in gala screenings of their videos hosted by the Directors Guild of American (New York and Hollywood) and MPAA (Washington DC) and meet with leaders in the U.S. film and entertainment industry.
The organizers of the DVC determined that Apted's global perspective and his long-time enthusiasm for encouraging young and independent filmmakers made him uniquely suited to serve as co-chair. As director, Apted's work has taken him all over the world, and encompasses a wide range of political and social themes, including race, class, gender, conservation, equality and the impact of societal pressure on the individual.
For more information visit the Democracy Video Challenge website at:
