Deadline: September 17, 2017
The UN Migration Agency (IOM) is inviting professional and emerging filmmakers to submit perception-changing films about the migrant experience for the second annual Global Migration Film Festival holding from December 5-18, 2017. The Global Migration Film Festival showcases films that capture the promise and challenges of migration for those who leave their homes in search of a better life and the unique contributions migrants make to their new communities.
In 2016, the inaugural festival took place in 89 countries. Nearly 10,000 people attended 220 screenings at cinemas, universities, cultural institutions and other venues. The festival hosted 13 films and documentaries, as well as 200 short films about and by migrants. “The journeys migrants take, sometimes full of peril, often full of hope, have been the subject of films throughout the history of cinema,” said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing. “We hope the films at our next festival will instil understanding, empathy with characters, awe at their journeys and admiration for those who welcome their new neighbours.”
Categories and Awards
- Professional filmmakers working in all genres are invited to submit films on festival themes of at least 25 minutes in length to be considered by a committee of international film professionals.
- Emerging filmmakers from 92 select countries are invited to submit films on festival themes of at least 25 minutes in length for the festival and a competition. A committee of international film professionals will select three films and winners will each receive a prize of $1,500.
- Filmmakers from 92 select countries who have migrated in their lifetime are also invited to submit 1 – 3 minute video profiles about their own experience or video profiles of other migrants, that will become part of IOM’s i am a migrant campaign and considered for screening at the 2017 film festival. 20 i am a migrant videos will be selected and winners will receive $100.
Eligibility
- Films of all genres (feature, documentary, animation) will be accepted;
- Films should be at least 25 minutes in length for consideration;
- Films may only be submitted by individuals with the legal right to negotiate the use of the work;
- Films should portray the promise and challenges of migration and contributions migrants make to their new communities;
- Films that challenge negative perceptions of migrants, defy stereotypes and feature positive and welcoming actions by and toward migrants are encouraged;
- Films in English are preferred. Sub-titles are encouraged, even if the characters speak English, to ensure maximum comprehension for global audiences;
- Films in other languages are encouraged, but must have sub-titles in English;
- Films completed in or after 2013, or over the past five years, will be considered.
Application
- Please submit your entry information and film using Filmfreeway.
- You also may submit a Blu-ray or DVD. Hardcopies should be mailed to the following address no later than September 17 with this completed form enclosed.Global Migration Film Festival (MCD)
Route des Morillons 17, 1218
Le Grand-Saconnex – Geneva – Switzerland
- The festival will inform applicants if their film has been selected by mid-October.
- For each selected film, the submitter or the filmmaker should be prepared to provide stills from the film, a trailer and a bio and photo of the film’s director.
For more information, visit Global Migration Film Festival.
