April Reign, who turned resistance to Hollywood racism into a viral social media campaign, announced a new competition for short films yesterday (April 9).
The media professional partnered with Audience Awards, a company that creates networking opportunities and pipelines for filmmakers, on the Race to Justice film challenge. Reign discussed the contest and several of its terms in the following Twitter thread:
Good morning! I have an announcement. I live at the intersection of race, politics, and pop culture. I have partnered with the @AudienceAwards to have discussions on these issues where filmmakers can WIN MONEY AND BE SEEN. Check the #thread: #RaceToJustice pic.twitter.com/62Y8fuHz6C
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 9, 2018
The @AudienceAwards and I seek microfilms that portray an honest & instructive conversation about race in America. Top 10 films premiere at #AudFest as headline event. Canon C100 w/24-105 camera kit + $5K in prizes! Deadline: 5/16/18. #RaceToJustice https://t.co/97OqNiSEgg
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 9, 2018
I’m honored to announce our other jurors for the #RaceToJustice initiative with @AudienceAwards: @dulynotedinc, @joseiswriting, @roywoodjr, @franklinleonard, @NoTotally and @blackcatbaby!! https://t.co/S1mFmeFurh
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 9, 2018
Let me break it down. It’s a five minute video (or less). You can shoot it on your phone. You can win thousands of dollars. It will premiere at a film fest. You wanted a shot. @AudienceAwards & I are providing it. WHY ARENT YOU FILMING ALREADY?! #RaceToJustice pic.twitter.com/bI8cWJsYme
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 9, 2018
#OscarsSoWhite has always been about providing more opportunities to marginalized communities. @AudienceAwards is furthering that ideal with our #RaceToJustice campaign. You have just a few weeks to enter. Don’t delay! https://t.co/97OqNiSEgg
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 9, 2018
As Reign described, Race to Justice invites filmmakers to shoot shorts, with a maximum length of five minutes, about their own experiences with and views on racial justice. According to the submission webpage, Race to Justice also aims to distribute these shorts on multiple platforms and promote civic engagement among viewers. A group of judges including screen producer Effie Brown ("Dear White People") and podcast host Shaun Lau ("No, Totally!") will determine awardees across various categories, while viewers can choose their favorite film during a voting period between June 8 and 15. The jury’s choice will win a Canon C100 video camera kit, while the jury’s second runner-up and audience’s choice earn up to $2,000 in soundtrack licensing costs.
Interested filmmakers may submit their films here until May 16.