KUCHING, (Dec 20, 2011) – Following a successful run of events for 2011, Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) concludes the years with the ‘Smiles of Unity’ Short Film Competition.
It is a competition for everyone interested to produce a short film that tells the story of unity in Sarawak, and this especially goes to local filmmakers.
The competition opens for submission today. it aims to highlight the unity and harmony that is sometimes taken for granted by the people in the State.
With Sarawak’s unique cultural identity, local filmmakers can make full use of that theme to plan their short film plots and stand a chance to win RM11,000.00, which is the cash prize for the winner of the competition.
The second and third prize winners will receive a cash prize of RM7,000.00 and RM5,000.00, respectively.
The ‘Smiles of Unity’ Short Film Competition is set to attract young persons aged 18-35 years, to stage their storytelling abilities by employing an open genre to attract the State’s finest filmmakers from all background.
The contest provides local filmmakers with a unique opportunity to capture moving visuals that have social appeal in this collaborative storytelling.
“The concept behind the ‘Smiles of Unity’ Short Film Competition is about bringing out the stories of unity among our people here, and we are giving a wide playing field for contributors to allow them to explore the many genres out there,” said YPS Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Mark Bonchol.
the organisers deliberately provided the lengthy five month duration for participants to produce their entries – from December 20, 2011 until April 30, 2012 – to ensure the production of high-quality films, with a focus on providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work, as well.
“This short film competition is a unique event in the Sarawak film-making world. We, YPS consider ourselves promoters of unity, and through this event we hope to nurture the professional development of students; established filmmakers; those who may not necessarily be skilled in this area but have an eye for film-making; film lovers; and even the creative minds to help further the cause of unity.”
The competition is also the last YPS’ year-round involvement with the community for 2011; the final activity on its calendar of events under the ‘Sarawak Youth for Unity Year 2011’, co-organised with local counterparts Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) and Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd. a subsidiary of Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM).
it is through such competitions that the organisation chose its logo, which was launched by the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is the Chairman to the YPS Board of Trustees.
An ongoing competition ‘Heritage for Unity’ Design Competition is also another activity to highlight artwork that echoes the theme of Sarawak unity.
The ‘Smile of Unity’ Short Film Competition will conclude in mid 2012, with a public screening to premiere the shortlisted films.
Submissions to participate in the 2011 YPS ‘Smiles of Unity’ Short Film Competition starts today, December 20.
This competition is open to all Sarawakians ages between 18 to 35 years old.
Interested participants are encouraged to regularly check the Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) Facebook page for updates on submission categories, deadlines and policies.
For more information on the competition, visit the Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) Facebook page or contact Samson at +6082-236629 or email yps.fmm@gmail.com
