ADB launches second Asia-Pacific video contest
ISLAMABAD (October 12, 2010): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is launching its second video competition which is open to all aspiring filmmakers across the globe.
The video contest -- ‘My View H2O: The Asia-Pacific Video Contest’ -- promotes awareness of the causes, implications and solutions to Asia’s looming water crisis.
Climate change, increased water use in farms and industries, and rising urbanisation are putting a huge strain on Asia’s shrinking water resources.
“With 60% of the world's population, Asia is at the forefront of the world’s water problems, and solutions,” said Ann Quon, principal director of the ADB’s Department of External Relations. “We were so encouraged by the response to the first ‘My View’ competition on climate change, that we want to encourage even more creative minds to produce innovative videos that will put this important issue front and centre.”
Over $10,000 worth of prizes are being offered in three categories for the best videos about water issues in the Asia and Pacific region.
There are no age restrictions for the contest. Citizens of any one of ADB's 67 member countries are eligible to participate.
“In the past few months, Pakistan has found out how water affects all our lives. The floods have devastated our country and have deprived us of safe, clean water. Our children, women and families suffer. Now more than ever it is time for everyone to be involved in this issue,” Pakistani documentary filmmaker Samar Minallah said.
Other judges include Filipino digital filmmaker Khavn dela Cruz, Japanese filmmaker Momoko Ando, Indonesian director Joko Anwar, American documentary maker and curator Christopher Beaver, Chinese documentary maker Du Hiabin.
Registration for the contest is easy. Applicants need to complete a short online registration form, and upload their videos toYouTube.com or Youku.com.
The deadline for submission of entries is January 31, 2011.
The launch comes in the lead-up to a five-day international conference ‘Water Crisis and Choices: ADB and Partners Conference 2010’ being held at ADB Headquarters from October 11-15.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members -- 48 from the region. In 2009, it approved a total of $16.1 billion in financing operations through loans, grants, guarantees, a trade finance facilitation programme, equity investments, and technical assistance projects. ADB also mobilised cofinancing amounting to $3.2 billion.