CREATE Ֆիլմերի Փառատոն (անգլերեն)
Call for Submissions (Deadline: 22 April 2016)
Seeking films from around the world that capture the incredible power of creativity to make positive social change in times of conflict
To be screened in Manchester, UK as part of the CREATE Film Festival in June 2016
In Place of War is an organisation that empowers, mobilises and connects artists and creative communities living in sites of war, revolution and conflict. Working with artists, producers, researchers and cultural activists, we build powerful networks, create social change through creativity and demonstrate the value of the arts to public space, public life and public debate. Originally a research project as part of The University of Manchester, our research over the last ten years has pointed to one key finding - that, so often, the most creative communities are found in the most challenging contexts. When people have to think creatively just in order to survive, the level of creativity they invest in the arts, in cultural production, in community building and in narrating and understanding their own experiences results in some truly remarkable outcomes - not only great art, but real change for their immediate communities, and inspiration for the wider world. IPOW's Production strand is a core area of our work - a way to introduce incredible artists to new audiences, offer emerging talent new platforms and experiences in which to share their work, and provide a space where we can share the alternative narratives in sites of conflict.
In 2016, IPOW launches its first ever film programme, CREATE Film Festival, a series of events and screenings that celebrate and explore the multiple roles that creativity can play in generating positive social change in sites of conflict and post-conflict. We are looking for films which explore and document creativity in such contexts, but which also reflect in themselves the high calibre of work in this field, and thus demonstrate the important role that film making has in the development of the creative industries in these regions, as well as its role as a tool for sharing alternative voices within the narrative of conflict.
Screenings will focus on four broad themes:
WOMEN IN CONFLICT
Whilst equal rights for women remains an urgent issue across the world in sites of conflict and post-conflict, this imbalance and the risks it carries are often more acute, and ensuring that women’s experiences and narratives of war are heard and listened to is crucial. At the same time, In Place of War has continually found examples of female artists and collectives who, in spite of the conflict and oppression they face, have risen up against such injustices, using creativity as a way to come together, share their experiences and spread their call to action.
Does your film chart the rise of women graffiti artists in Lebanon, or follow the work of a female theatre director in Rwanda? Or are you a female filmmaker who through your films offers a women's narrative on recent events in your country? If you have a film that raises the female voice in areas of conflict, get in touch.
(Films for this screening do not have to be from a specific geographical area, but should be based and created in a region or community which is or has recently experienced conflict or humanitarian crisis).
THE MIDDLE EAST
IPOW has encountered many examples of extraordinary artists across the Middle East using art as a vehicle to empower, resist and challenge the status quo. This programme will centre on the Kurds, whose ongoing struggle for independence and self-determination has placed them right in the crossfire between the various conflicting interests in the region. How does a displaced culture, divided across four separate countries, retain its sense of identity and unity? How is its creativity defined by the situation, and how does it work in defiance of it?
Does your film document the use of art in a time of revolution or uprising? Does it explore wider issues of a culture under threat and seeking to proclaim and celebrate itself?
DR CONGO
IPOW has worked with DRC communities in Manchester for many years as well as working with local partners in Goma and Bukavu through research, training and the development of a new creative space for young people. The conflict in DRC has inspired many to make creative responses to challenge and talk about the corruption and inequality that impacts the majority of people.
Does your film document the artists of DRC? Does it show how the arts has challenged the political situation?
HIP HOP & THE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF LATIN AMERICA
In Place of War has worked across the neighbourhoods of Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela with communities who suffer the consequences of conflict. Through our work we have witnessed the use of urban arts and hip-hop culture as an alternative to a more violent life – hip-hop in the city of Medellin, Colombia; the ‘passinho’ dance movement across the favelas of Brazil and cultural spaces made from converted shipping containers in Venezuela.
Does your film document hip-hop culture as a vehicle to transform communities? Can you tell the story of Latin American neighbourhoods through your work?
APPLICATION PROCESS & CRITERIA
In Place of War are looking for films made by filmmakers who have themselves a first-person understanding of the conflicts of which they discuss in their work. We are open to a range of different approaches: documentaries and dramas, shorts and features, citizen journalism and grass-roots reportage.
We are looking for films of exceptional quality, but don’t believe that this has to mean only established filmmakers can apply – we welcome young and emerging artists too.
To apply, please press the “Apply Now” button below and create a profile on the In Place of War digital platform in order to showcase your work (please note all applicants must have gained an artists pass from IPOW to create an artist profile and upload work for consideration - you can find more information about this process here: http://www.inplaceofwar.net/howtoapply
Use the application form as the basis for your application, outlining why you want to be involved in the project and which specific pieces you would like to put forward to the panel. Then upload your pieces of work via YouTube or Vimeo link (whether full feature or trailer), and any other artefacts you would like us to consider (including reviews, articles and other relevant work) on your IPOW artist profile. With each film that you upload, please ensure you include:
- a synopsis
- any relevant background to the making of the film
- length of the film in minutes, screening aspect ration, and available formats for screening.
We welcome films in any language. Any films in an original language other than English must have English subtitles.
If your film is not yet public, please include the private link and password in your application form.
If you require assistance in uploading your work please contact [email protected]
There is no submission fee.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Your submission will be acknowledged by In Place of War. Submissions are then reviewed by In Place of War in partnership with our groups of community curators for each event. Successful applicants will be informed within three weeks of submission.
Good luck!
(Photo courtesy of the young photographers of Ciudad Comuna, Medellín, Colombia)
For applying visit http://www.inplaceofwar.net/opportunities/8-create-film-festival-en