The competition is open to organizations and individuals that work with radio in Africa, including radio stations, broadcasters, production organizations, NGOs with a radio project, farmers’ associations with a radio program, health NGOs interested in collaborating with a local radio station, etc.
Entries
Your radio script should tell the true story of an initiative in your region that is contributing to a healthy community. If you choose to write a script in drama format, or as a two-host conversation or in narrative, storytelling form, your characters and situations must be based on real people and real situations. There are a great number of potential themes, and you are free to choose the one which suits you best. The following categories are offered as suggestions for you to consider. Please note that you are not limited to these categories.
· Healthy environment: community solutions for environmental health, including sustainable land use, transportation, water, sanitation and waste management, and healthy home conditions (for example, reducing air pollution from cooking, and separating livestock and human living spaces),
· Agriculture and health: agricultural practices that help farmers contribute to a healthy community, such as controlled use of pesticides, and minimizing the impact of fertilizers on drinking water.
· Maternal health and family planning: community initiatives that promote maternal health and family planning.
· Access to information and health services: health literacy, and community health education and services on topics such as sexually transmitted diseases, for example, knowledge about HIV and care for people living with HIV and AIDS.
· Equality and social justice: opportunities for women to make informed decisions about their health, promoting equal opportunities for marginalized groups.
· Community peace and safety: initiatives that enable people to live in peace; projects that help people resolve conflict; preventing work-related accidents.
The competition is committed to promoting gender equality and encourages scripts that feature stories of healthy community initiatives that benefit and involve rural women.
Rules
Submitted scripts must be prepared by talking with people in your community who are involved and/or who benefit from the healthy community initiative. Scripts can be written in a variety of formats – for example, dramas, two-host conversations, interviews or roundtable discussions. The script must be an original piece of work written specifically for this competition. It must be between 500-2000 words with an approximate airing time of between 5 and 10 minutes, including music, and include references to all information sources used to prepare the script (e.g., rural people, health institutions, NGOs, documents, etc.).
Above all, the radio script should engage and inspire listeners.
Here are some important dates to keep in mind:
May 25: Registration Opens
August 16: Online Training Course Starts
October 24: Online Training Course Ends
November 1: Last day to submit script
January 2011: Winners Announced
Submit Script
Script entries must be received no later than November 1, 2010.
At the end of the course page, you will find a link where you can submit your script. We also encourage you to submit an audio version. You can also e-mail your script and audio version to submit@farmradio.org.
Participants agree to provide Farm Radio International and its collaborators the right to use their submitted audio and script material.
Prizes
The scripts will be reviewed by an international panel of judges. Top entries will be eligible for a variety of prizes, ranging from digital audio recorders to training and conference opportunities. The winners will be announced in January 2011. The winning scriptwriters will work with Farm Radio International staff to improve their scripts, making them truly radio-ready. Winning scripts will be published and distributed to radio stations across sub-Saharan Africa and made available on Farm Radio International’s website at www.farmradio.org. All entrants will receive feedback on their scripts.
RFI is happy to partner with the BLACK WOMEN'S ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK (BWE NETWORK) on this amazing new opportunity for both emerging and established writers to have their work produced for broadcast on the web. This contest was created and is sponsored by BWE Network, whose goal is to support, encourage and promote entertainment for Black women. However, anyone can apply for this screenwriting contest, the only requirement is that the web show feature a Black woman in a lead role.
ELIGIBILITY
This is an international screenwriting contest open to all writers 18 years of age or older that are not employees of Rockstone Foundation Inc or the Black Women's Entertainment Network.
WHAT YOU WIN
One winning WEB SERIES PILOT script will be selected, optioned, produced for up to $10,000 and aired on the Black Women's Entertainment Network's website (bwenetwork.com).
GUIDELINES
• Script submissions can be in any genre • Script's main or lead character must be a Black woman • We will not accept any completed web series, treatments or ideas • Scripts will not be returned • Organizations and companies are not eligible to apply • The applicant(s) must be the sole creator(s) of the script • The script must be copyrighted or registered with the WGA (Writers Guild of America) under the name(s) of the writer(s) • Submitted script must be solely original and may not be an adaptation of any previously written, performed, or filmed work by another artist • The applicant must accept the terms of our Submission Release Agreement • The applicant must upload a current resume with their application • All submissions are done on-line via our website (we will not accept submissions via mail) • A $25.00 non-refundable application fee must accompany each script submissions • Multiple submissions are accepted (seperate fee applied to each submission)
SCRIPT FORMAT
• Maximum of 10 pages (excluding title page). • Script must use Courier 12 and be in standard industry script format • No illustrations or photographs on the inside pages or the cover page of the script • Script must be written in the English language • No scripts longer than 10 pages will be accepted • You must submit your script as an Adobe PDF or Final Draft file
APPLICATION PROCESS
All application materials, including your script submission, submission release form, and application form must be submitted on-line via our web site at http://www.rockstone.org/contest.htm. For questions about the contest or the application process, contact Lucinda Jackson, Director of Programs (Lucinda@rockstone.org).
SELECTION PROCESS
A team of jurors comprised of accomplished writers, agents, managers, web content providers and production executives will evaluate and rate each script for originality, story, dialogue, character development and marketability. Five (5) semi-finalists will be chosen from which one winner will emerge. The five semi-final scripts will be made available on-line where visitors to both rockstone.org and bwenetwork.com will be able to vote and comment on their favorate script. The winning script will be optioned by the Black Women's Entertainment Network and the writer(s) will work closely with BWE Network’s production team to get the script ready for production.
DEADLINE
Deadline for submission is Thursday, June 30th, 2011 at 11:59pm. Five semi-finalists and one winner will be announced by August 1st, 2011.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: Lucinda Jackson at Lucinda@rockstone.org
gmc is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and entertainment. It can be seen in almost 48 million homes and is available nationally on DIRECTV Channel 338, Verizon FiOS Channel 224 and on local cable.
Contest Overview
The gmc SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2011 is meant to encourage and promote the production of faith-friendly, family-friendly and inspirational screenplays and films. The competition is meant to:
Encourage filmmakers to go beyond the “pastor’s story” and beyond the “church story” as the only settings for family-friendly and faith-friendly stories.
Encourage filmmakers to organically incorporate faith and faith elements into stories that resonate and appeal to broad audiences.
Expand interest beyond “Christian”/”evangelical” films, to include films that are consistent with Judeo-Christian values, and that have mainstream commercial appeal.
Expand the genres/formats that tell these inspiring stories like dramas, comedies, romantic comedies and action movies.
Three (3) Finalist Screenplays will be chosen and sections of each will be read during a Table Read in front of a live audience at the American Black Film Festival 2011 (ABFF). One (1) Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the three Finalists and announced at the closing night event of ABFF.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Screenplays must be faith-friendly and family-friendly. They must incorporate messages, themes or topics that include, depict, reflect, and/or are set in an American Black cultural experience.
2. Screenplays must be written for a two (2) hour television movie (approximately Eighty-Eight (88) minutes of content, excluding commercials).
3. Screenwriter(s) must be Eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the Date of Submission as stated in the Submission Form.
4. The contest is only open to United States residents.
5. All screenplays must be submitted in English.
6. Screenplays must be original with the Screenwriter, and must not have been produced, or be scheduled to be produced, in any form (television, live-theatrical, feature film, on-line).
7. Screenplays must be complete and have been written by the Date of Submission.
8. No individual Screenwriter can be attached (either as the sole Screenwriter or as a Co-Screenwriter) to more than three (3) submitted Screenplays.
9. The Screenplay must be the original work of the Screenwriter(s) and may not be based, in whole or in part, on any other work to which the Screenwriter(s) does/do not own the rights.
10. Employees of Gospel Music Channel, LLC, its parent, affiliate or subsidiaries (whether permanent or temporary), and their respective immediate family members and/or those living in the same household, are not eligible to participate in the gmc SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2011.
Submission Instructions
1. Each Submitted Screenplay must be submitted and received with the following items on the list below to qualify for entry:
o Two (2) completed copies of the Submission Form. o Two (2) original and signed copies of the Submission Guidelines and Release. o Two (2) original copies of the Screenplay. o Each Screenplay should be submitted on 8-1/2 x 11, white, 3-hole punched paper, with only two brass fasteners (top & bottom). o Each Screenplay should be a minimum of 88 pages and maximum of 100 pages. o Each Screenplay should be typed in standard script format, in black ink, in 12 pt Courier or Times Roman font. o Two (2) copies of a short Synopsis of the Screenplay (between 75 – 100 words). o Two (2) copies of a written Biography and color Photo of each Screenwriter(s). o Two (2) copies of a written list of writing and/or production Credits for each Screenwriter(s), including any work that has been produced or is scheduled to be produced, in any form, as of the Date of Submission.
2. The title of the Screenplay and name(s) of each Screenwriter(s) must be on all Submission Materials.
3. Each submitted Screenplay must be submitted with a separate Submission Form and separate Submission Materials as outlined below in the section titled “Submission Materials”.
4. Submission Materials (including the Screenplay, the Submission Form, and the Submission Guidelines and Release) should be mailed (by regular postage or express delivery) to:
gmc SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2011 c/o Film Life, Inc. 116 West 23rd Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10011.
NOTE: We will not accept electronic copies of any Screenplays or Submission Materials.
5. Submission Deadline: All Submission Materials must be received by 5PM on FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011. If any Submission Materials are received after 5PM on FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011, the Screenplay will not be considered.
6. Please note that Submission Materials will not be returned. Selection and Prizing
If your Screenplay is selected:
1. Finalists:
o GMC shall select three (3) “Finalist Screenplays” and shall notify the appropriate contact for each Finalist Screenplay of its selection no later than Thursday, May 26, 2011. o GMC shall host a Table Read at the American Black Film Festival where a section of each Finalist Screenplay shall be read in front of the attendees of the Film Festival.
2. Grand Prize Winner:
o GMC shall select one (1) “Grand Prize Winner Screenplay” from the three (3) Finalist Screenplays. o The Grand Prize Winner Screenplay shall receive Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) and shall be announced at the awards event for the Film Festival.
3. Travel and Accommodations to attend American Black Film Festival: For each Finalist Screenplay selected, GMC shall provide the following in connection with the American Black Film Festival: up to two (2) round-trip coach-class airfare tickets to Miami, Florida, shuttle ground transportation from the airport to the hotel on the day of arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of departure, and one (1) standard hotel accommodations (either single or double occupancy) for up to four (4) nights. (Approximate Value: $1,926.00). Each Finalist shall also receive up to two (2) Marquee Passes providing access to the American Black Film Festival events. (The Marquee Passes do not include or provide access to the Master Classes/Workshops.) Any other costs associated with the prize receipt and/or use that are not expressly stated above are not included in the prize package and are solely the responsibility of the Finalists.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) has called for entries for the 5th annual Shasha screenwriting competition designed to identify, develop and launch the career of talented filmmakers.
The competition is open to UAE nationals, or UAE residents of over five years, citizens from other countries in the Middle East or individuals with Middle Eastern or North African parentage. Scripts can be submitted in English or Arabic and applicants must be comfortable pitching their projects to an industry panel in either English or Arabic.
10 scripts will be shortlisted on 1st August 2011 and six finalists will be announced on 4th September 2011.
The Film Commission will invite the six Shasha Grant finalists to Abu Dhabi this coming October to attend the pitching sessions which involve each finalist being paired with an industry executive to create and refine pitch strategies for their scripts.
During the final pitching session each finalist will pitch their script to a selection jury comprised of industry professionals for evaluation. The winning project will receive the $100,000 development grant and ongoing production support from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
For the full rules and regulations and to apply, please visit the commission website www.film.gov.ae or email inquiries to shasha@film.gov.ae
South African free-to-air TV channel e.tv is calling on local screenwriters to submit scripts for their top-ranking drama series eKasi Our Stories. Each script must be for an hour-long feature, and the deadline for submission is 3 May 2011.
The channel has already produced 18 of these successful dramas, which were filmed in and around the townships of Johannesburg, from Soweto to Westbury to Leeuwkop.
EKasi Our Stories tackles the tougher side of people’s lives, focusing on the pragmatic, yet humorous, aspects of gritty township life, with real and captivating characters. The series tells the stories of women born and raised in abusive situations, and characters tested by hardship.
In 2010 four production teams were roped in, all drawing on the expertise of fresh young industry talent from different regions in South Africa. Backstage’s Katlego Ramaphakela (who played Neo) and Charl Timotheous (who played Ziggy) were some of the young writers involved.
Big names leading the production of the dramas included director and Tribeca Short Film award winner Bheki Sibiya, Jika Majika director Neo Matsunyane, actor, director and entrepreneur Thokozani Nkosi of Eclipse Productions, and veteran writer, director and producer Vusi Twala of Seleke Communications.
The new season of eKasi, made up of 26 dramas, will continue to tell the stories of the millions of South Africans living in the townships, while training a new crop of writers, directors and filmmakers.
Who may enter:
* The program is open only to scriptwriters of South African nationality who are 18 years and older. * Sponsor and Completion Films, along with their directors, officers and employees, and each of their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents or representatives and the immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to apply for or be awarded the contract. * Anyone – from first-time writers to professionals – may submit. All applications must be typed and applicants must have access to the internet and a computer. The script must be a contained story based in the township or urban areas of South Africa. Selected submissions will be notified and are expected to attend at least three days of workshops.
Submission documents can be downloaded from www.etv.co.za/ekasi-scripts.
These documents are:
* Submission form * Disclaimer form* * 2 page synopsis/summary of the plot, characters, world of the story (i.e. the township) * 10 - page sample script * Your CV
THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS 3 MAY 2011
*All applicants are to sign appendix 2 (Disclaimer) of e.tv’s Commissioning Protocol for Independently Produced South African Programming, which is part of the application package.
Submissions may be sent to ekasi@etv.co.za or dropped off, in a clearly marked envelope, at the e.tv headquarters in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Request for the submission of scripts for their 1-hour feature film segments for a top-ranking local drama series.
To date all 18 dramas were filmed in and around various locations in Johannesburg townships, ranging from Soweto to Westbury to Leeuwkop.
The stories tackled the tougher side of the characters’ lives and focused more on the pragmatic, yet humorous, aspects of gritty life in the township. The characters put together are real and captivating. Our dramas tell stories of women born and raised in abusive situations, and characters tested by difficult trials.
The new season of (26 dramas) will continue to push the boundaries of stories told about the large populations of the country living in the townships; while also training the new crop of writers, directors and film practitioners.
WHO MAY ENTER:
The Program is open only to scriptwriters of South African nationality who are 18 years and older.
Anyone – from first time writers, to professional writers – may submit. All applications must be typed and applicants must have access to the Internet and a computer. The script must be a contained story based in the township, or urban areas of South Africa. Selected submissions will be notified and are expected to attend at least 3 days of workshops.
SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS ARE:
1. Submission form 2. Disclaimer form* 3. 2 page synopsis/summary of the plot, characters, world of the story (i.e. the township) 4. 10 - page sample script 5. Your CV
SUBMISSION DEADLINE – DEADLINE IS THE 3rd OF MAY 2011
Aspiring Filmmaker Series: Scriptwriting and Directing Masterclass
BLUES & HILLS Consultancy and Africa Film Academy call for interested aspiring filmmakers to register for the Scriptwriting and Directing Masterclass Workshop, to be facilitated by Indian filmmaker and cinematographer, Naresh Sharma on 25 March, 2011 at Niger Delta Wetland Centre, Ekike, Yenogoa, in Bayelsa State. He will be joined by Nigerian filmmaker, Bond Emeruwa and Indian creative writing teacher, Jose Varghese.
Mr Sharma is the Director of Centre for Research in Art of Film & TV (CRAFT), Delhi. After graduating from Film and Television Institute of India, (FTII, Pune ) in December of 1993, he acquired on-floor expertise while working with ace cinematographers like Ashok Mehta and Vikas Shaivaraman.
His independent works include advert films, promos, corporate and documentaries. He has worked with Grey Worldwide, Triton advertising, Bharat Bala Prods, Shot in the dark, Mise-en-scene, Squirkle, Percept Advertising, Universal Music, T-Series, Channel [ v ] ,B4U and others. He shot the music video of Nishani for popular star, Jassi. In 2001, he shot a Hindi feature length fiction directed by Senior FTII 1974 graduate batch on 35mm. In 2005, he shot 2nd feature length fiction film on 35mm Cinemascope format Sonam about the Monapa community of Arunachal Pradesh. He is widely travelled and has facilitated workshops across the world.
For registration and further enquiries, contact: bluesandhills@gmail.com
SikhNet is looking for creative writers (You!) to create new original Sikh-themed stories and story series for children. The winning story, as well as a selection of other story submissions, may be used to produce new audio/video stories on SikhNet. If your script wins, it will be featured in future SikhNet Audio Stories online, CDs, books, AS WELL as possibly being animated and shown on SikhNet and on TV!
Prizes:
* $300 US Dollars * 4 CD set -Audio Stories Volumes 1-4 * Story Book -Volume 1 * Coloring Book - Volume 1 * 4 CD set - Audio Stories Volumes 5-8 (pending release) * Story Book -Volume 2 (pending release) * Coloring Book - Volume 2 (pending release)
Deadline: Feb. 20th, 2011
Are you excited?! Put your creativity turban/chuni on and get those creative ideas going! What We are Looking for in your Story Script:
1. An original story with Sikh characters that is inspirational or teaches something and speaks, in an entertaining and engaging way, to modern children. 2. Stories that are geared towards Sikh girls and female characters that serve as role models and address the needs of Sikh girls. Stories can have both boy and girl characters together as long as there is a strong female character in addition to the boy character. (See 4 below.) 3. Stories that can be made into a series (i.e., multiple unique stories using the main characters in different plots and settings.) We want characters kids can 'connect with' and get familiar with through lots of different "Adventures." 4. Stories with Sikh Boy & Girl characters that appeal to both genders and tackle topics that relate to both. It could also have other main characters, parents, teachers, adults, animals/imaginary characters/sidekicks, etc. 5. We are primarily looking for original work. This means that if history is used, it should be used in a new and original way. Historical stories are more limited, and for that reason we want new ideas and situations that apply to young people today. Historical fiction can serve this purpose provided it is original and "modern." Modern fiction and future fiction will also be exciting. I'm sure you have some good ideas that are itching to come out.
If this sounds interesting to you, then get started right away since we need your scripts really soon! Once you've started your creative process, you may want to read the suggestions below on how YOU can win the excellent prizes and help create more inspiring stories for kids on SikhNet.
In order for your story to be produced as an actual SikhNet Audio or Video Story you will want to keep in mind the following guidelines (of course don't let anything hinder your creativity!)
Ideas
* Sikh Superhero type story series. Should have some grounding in reality even if parts might be fantasy. Make things real...but amplify them. * Super Powers - Different characters could have "super powers" that they discover. For example: Intuition from doing lots of meditation and being able to know what is going to happen before it happens. Perhaps the character can see the cause and effect of making a particular action based on different choices that he or she might make? * Martial Arts powers, power of compassion and heightened awareness. Could be like a Sikh version of the "Incredibles." * Female character that is beautiful and princess-like (or transforms into such a character in some way). * The hero of your story might discovering his/her "secret identity" and "super powers" in interesting ways. * When he/she says a particular "Magic word" (WaheGuru?) turns into the "super hero" all dressed in full bana. Kind of like "Wonder Woman"and is thereby transformed and ready to serve others in a unique way. * You might integrate Sikh history as a side story using a character like Grandmother or Uncle telling a story within the story. * Your story could be in today's world...but could also be sometime in the future. * Make it inspiring by focusing on beauty, standing out, service, helping others, courage and standing up for others. * Have your stories teach various tools that kids can actually use to deal with different situations in today's world.
Length
At the end of audio or video production, we like to have stories 5 to 10 minutes long. Attached you will find an example of a story that ended up being 5:13 long "God In Every Moment" Audio / Script; another that ended up being 8:25 long "Listening to the Heavens" Audio / Script as well as one that turned out to be 12:43 long "Attitude of Gratitude" Audio / Script. This is just to give an idea of the required length when it's on paper. Keep in mind this is a guideline, if a story is really good, it may deserve more time, just so long as it can keep the attention of children.
Format
Your story needs to be in the format of a script. A movie script looks different than a novel or short story. This means indicating when a character is speaking and when the narrator (if there is one) is speaking. Please indent, use bold font in Caps to indicate character or narrator speech. Please use parenthesis to indicate possible sound effects. The script is generally used word-for-word when recording, so write it in the same way that it would be spoken out loud by the character. See the three linked (script) examples in the section above.
Mood
Don't make the stories overly serious. Keep in mind that these stories are for kids, so keep it fun so they enjoy it and learn something at the same time. Refrain from getting too technical. It's best to share something educational through the story indirectly, rather than "preaching" the meaning which can be boring for young kids. It never hurts to remember humor! Who's got a funny bone? We all do! It's connected to the creativity bone.
Language
The story script should be written in English. We are not currently able to produce stories in Punjabi or other languages.
Narration
We like to add character voices and sound effects so that kids don't get bored with the narrator. Keep in mind when writing a script, how long the narrator is talking without any sound effects or character dialogues. Put in sound effects or character dialogues to break up long narrator sequences. Also imagine how you want the narrator to say it. If there is any kind of intonation you would like to come across, do guide the narrator with that by indicating that with parentheses (Eg: (In a loud voice) or (whispers quietly).)
Audio Effects
When writing a script keep in mind that it will sound different when acted out loud than it will in your head. Try actually speaking out loud the dialogue you have written. Make your script as alive as possible and specify sound effects whenever appropriate.
Video Effects
The winning script will likely be turned into a semi-animated video. The animation will be basic but it will be very exciting to present extra visual entertainment along with the audio story! Visualize how the story will look as you write it. This may inspire you to include descriptions of a scene (in parenthesis of course.)
More than one story & story series
You can write and submit a single story, but we welcome you to submit multiple stories, particularly stories that are part of a series with the same characters. If you are inspired to write more than one story, or your story is longer than you thought and you have to split it up into a series of stories, that's OK. Just make sure that each story ends with some resolution. Even though a story might continue and might leave you hanging...there needs to be some resolution and completion in each episode.
Audience
SikhNet audio stories are listened to by people of all ages, however our target audience is kids 4-12 years old.
Message
The message of the story should be implicit in the plot itself. It should not need side explanations for a child to understand what the moral of the story is. Keep in mind that although any positive message is good for kids, these should have with a distinctly Sikh flavor. Perhaps you could add a line (or short passage) of Gurbani to your story.
Here are some things you might want to ask yourself when writing a script:
* What are struggles that kids these days are being faced with? (Especially Girls!) * What are issues that kids need guidance with today? * What inspires kids today as opposed to what might have inspired kids in the past? * If I were a child age 5-12, would I be excited to hear this story? * If I were a child age 5-12, would I be able to understand the message in the story? * Are there any friends with whom I can brainstorm ideas and together come up with a good storyline & characters?
Final production. If your script is selected to be produced as a SikhNet Audio or Video Story please be open to input from us. We want to make sure each story is as excellent as possible.
Above all, we want to hear your original voice speaking! Let the creative juices flow and who knows what will come out!
The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development provides grants to fund scholarships to Egyptian youth to continue their studies in and outside Egypt. The general terms are that all applicants have to be of Egyptian nationality, they have good grades throughout the scholarship years, and they return to Egypt (only for those studying abroad) once their agreed-upon study years are over.
The Foundation offers a set of different scholarships. The applications for each one of these scholarships are as follows:
1. The Sawiris Foundation Scholarship to Germany in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service in Cairo (DAAD) 2. The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program Sponsored by Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) 3. The Ibrahim Shihata Scholarship 4. The LRC Scholarship for a Master Degree in Inclusive and Special Education 5. The LRC Scholarship for a Doctorate Degree in Inclusive and Special Education
Sawiris Cultural Award
The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development also presents awards for excellence to Egyptian authors, screen writers and playwrights with the aim of activating the literary movement in Egypt, encouraging the artistic creativity of its writers and improving the chances of the emergence of new talents. The competition places great emphasis on developing Egyptian new authors and promoting indigenous literature. It is also dedicated to providing a forum for the screenwriters to display their talents in a bid to support the development and growth of the Egyptian film industry. The newly-added category of best playwriting aims to help playwrights to get their work out into the theatre world.
The foundation presents awards of cash and recognition plaques to winners in the categories of novels, collections of short stories, screenplays and playwriting. The competition goes through a lengthy process that starts in mid June and ends in January. The winning submissions are selected by an independent judging committee consisting of well-known writers and literary experts. The winners are announced in a big ceremony held at the Cairo Opera House in January of each year.
The 2010 winners have already been announced and recognized. See the news here. We will post announcements for the 2011 awards when available.
More information about the Sawiris Cultural Award here.
* The 7th round of Rawi Screenwriters’ Lab will take place next fall, 2011 in Wadi Feynan’s Eco-Lodge in Jordan. * The online Application Form is available from March 1st till June 1st, 2011. * For further informations please write to rawi@film.jo.
Eligibility:
* Rawi Screenwriters’ Lab is open for screenwriters, co-writers, or writers /directors. * Screenwriters working on their first or second narrative feature screenplay can apply. * Applicants must submit a COMPLETE NARRATIVE FEATURE SCREENPLAY. * Only Arab screenwriters/ filmmakers are eligible to apply, regardless of their country of residence.
About Rawi Screenwriters' Lab:
In 2005 the Royal Film Commission - Jordan (RFC) launched Rawi (Storyteller), a screenplay development lab, in consultation with the Sundance Institute. Independent Arab screenwriters (Fellows) are offered the chance to develop their work in a uniquely creative environment under the guidance of internationally acclaimed screenwriters from all over the world (Creative Advisors).
At the beginning of autumn each year, fellows and advisors descend into the depths of Jordan's southern desert, to the remote eco-lodge of Wadi Feynan, where for five days, they work intensively on their feature narrative screenplays. Each fellow will have a one-on-one story session with the lab's creative advisors. The advisors’ guidance ranges from improving the fellow's technique as a screenwriter, to life lessons and practical suggestions to be explored in their next draft. Emphasis is placed on each fellow's individual voice and story.
Over the past five years, Rawi supported 45 emerging screenwriters. Completed projects by Rawi’s Alumni include: POMEGRANATES AND MYRRH written and directed by Najwa Najjar, AMREEKA written and directed by Cherien Dabis and SON OF BABYLON written and directed by Mohamed Al Daradji. For more information on other participants check the complete list of Rawi Alumni & Advisors.
For any queries please find our FAQ page. If your questions remain unanswered, write to rawi@film.jo or call The Royal Film Commission - Jordan at: Tel: +962 6 461 3835
FilmAid Kenya invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position will involve extensive work in Kakuma Refugee camp, Turkana District.
FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted.
FilmAid is currently implementing a short term project with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dadaab refugee camps, creating educational materials on issues of public health.
Specific tasks for the Scriptwriter/Drama Director:
Adapting information gathered from nutritional surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews and other secondary data into film storylines, in consultation with the relevant project staff, UNHCR, IRC and NCCK.
Prepare and present for review a story line for the film.
In collaboration with relevant project staff, develop a film script based on the theme and present for review.
Together with relevant project staff, audition and select actors and locations. The scriptwriter is expected to work in a participatory manner to ensure timely and efficient execution of the project.
Develop accompanying shooting script for the film script
Direct actors during film shoots.
Select dubbing actors and coordinate the translation of the film into Amharic, Kiswahili, Arabic, Dinka and Somali.
Direct dubbing actors in recordings.
Editing of the film in English and dub the film into Amharic, Kiswahili, Arabic, Dinka and Somali.
Expected Outputs:
This project should see the production of a 30 minute drama on family planning in English and other versions done in Amharic, Kiswahili, Arabic, Dinka and Somali.
The successful candidate will work with the community to develop scripts for short films, audition actors and conduct rehearsals as well as work with the film producer during productions.
The ideal candidate should have experience in using drama or other creative expressions to disseminate information. He / she must have experience in scriptwriting and directing community drama productions.
Knowledge of Somali culture and language is preferable; the candidate should be able to work with minimum supervision and should be available immediately.
Please email applications with ONLY COVER LETTER, CV AND 3 REFERENCES ASAP to: nairobi@filmaid.org
Applications to be submitted through email only by latest 5th November 2010
Farm Radio International, in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and other partners, is launching a scriptwriting competition on healthy communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The competition is open to organisations and individuals that work with radio in Africa, including radio stations, broadcasters, production organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a radio project, farmers’ associations with a radio show, etc. It is a collaboration of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), Inter Press Service (IPS) Africa, the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), and other partners. The competition is committed to promoting gender equality and encourages scripts that feature innovations by women and men who are involved in farming and food production.
To assist participants with writing the radio scripts, a free, ten-week online scriptwriting training course will be offered, starting on August 16 2010, through the competition website. For those with limited internet access, the course will be available on a CD-ROM.
Top entries will be eligible for a variety of prizes, ranging from digital audio recorders to training opportunities. The winners will be announced in January 2011. Winning scripts will be published and distributed to radio stations across sub-Saharan Africa and made available on Farm Radio International’s website. All entrants will receive feedback on their script.
Application Information
The script is to be prepared by talking with local farmers. Scripts can take a variety of formats - for example, dramas, interviews, or two-host conversations. The script must be an original piece of work written specifically for this competition. It must be in English or French, be between 500-2,000 words, and include references to information sources used to prepare the script (e.g., farmers, agricultural institutions, NGOs, documents). Participants are encouraged to include an audio file with their script; however, this is not a requirement. These may be in the local language, which, if used for recording, should be identified.
Contact Blythe McKay Development Communication Coordinator/ Coordonnatrice de la communication Farm Radio International / Radios Rurales Internationales
1404 Scott Street Ottawa Ontario K1Y 4M8 Canada Tel: 613 761 3652 Fax: 613 798 0990 Farm Radio International website bmckay@farmradio.org
