"The Democracy Video Challenge"

International Video Competition Launched at the UN
Project Aims to Inspire Global Dialogue Among Youth

New York, September 16, 2008 -- "The Democracy Video Challenge", a global call to action, was launched yesterday at the United Nations, supported by a partnership of democracy and youth organizations, the film entertainment industry, academia, and the US government. The Challenge, which was also unveiled on line, invites young citizens from around the world to create short videos that complete the phrase: "Democracy is ..." The video contest seeks to enhance the global dialogue on the value of democracy. The International Youth Foundation is among the sponsoring organizations.

"Film is a window into our common humanity -- the challenges and joys that make up the universal human experience. The young filmmakers taking part in this challenge will harness the magic of this powerful art form to connect to people around the world in a global discussion on democracy," said Michael Apted, President of the Directors Guild of America, a partner in the Democracy Video Challenge.

"Today's young people are fast becoming their country's leaders, voters, and civic activists, leading democratic change in their communities and finding solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges," added William S. Reese, CEO of the International Youth Foundation. "The Democracy Challenge offers them a rare opportunity to define their vision of what democracy is and can be for the 21st century. We plan to actively encourage young people everywhere to contribute to this competition by working through our global network of more than 160 partner organizations in 70 countries."

The Democracy Video Challenge partners include the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the International Youth Foundation, the Directors Guild of America, the Motion Picture Association of America, NBC Universal, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, TakingITGlobal, USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and the U.S. Department of State.

Seven winners will be chosen on line by the general public in June 2009, with YouTube (www.youtube.com/democracychallenge) providing the platform. Winners will travel, all expenses paid, to the United States to claim their prize in October 2009. Gala screenings of the winning videos will be held in Hollywood, New York, and Washington, DC, and the winners will meet with democracy advocates from government, media, and civil society organizations.

http://www.videochallenge.america.gov/