The finalists for the first annual PUMA Creative Impact Award have been announced, with the winning film-maker picking up €50,000 towards furthering the film’s social impact. From over 70 submissions 3 Dogwoof titles were nominated out of the 5 shortlisted films, with films The Age of Stupid, Burma VJ and The End of the Line all up for the award.
This 50,000 Euro award will honour and support the documentary film that has made the most significant impact on society. The top films cover topics ranging from environmental issues to social justice and global conflict, and all five documentaries have enlightened and inspired individuals about global concerns. The final five films will be judged by an elite jury later in the year that includes: Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, Morgan Spurlock (Academy Award-nominated Director of Super Size Me), Orlando Bagwell (Director of the JustFilms initiative at the Ford Foundation), Emmanuel Jal (musician and activist), and Thandie Newton (BAFTA award-winning actress).
The full finalists are:
The Age of Stupid (2009), directed by Franny Armstrong and produced by Lizzie Gillett This film, set in 2055, looks back on the damage caused by years of climate destruction.
Burma VJ (2008), directed by Anders Ostergaard and produced by Lise Lense-Moller An undercover camera in Burma helps shed light on the country's happenings in this film.
The End of The Line (2009), directed by Rupert Murray and produced by Claire Lewis and George Duffield The film focuses on the devastating impact of overfishing in the world's oceans.
The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court (2009), directed by Pamela Yates and produced by Paco de Onis The struggle between the International Criminal Court and world superpowers is highlighted in this film.
Trouble The Water (2008), directed and produced by Tia Lessin & Carl Deal In the film, an aspiring rap artist survives natural disaster and seizes the chance for a new beginning.
"Film is a unique and compelling medium for exploring who we are; a tool for reflection as well as a catalyst for shifting perceptions and even affecting social change," said Mark Coetzee, Program Director PUMAVision and Chief Curator, PUMA.Creative, speaking from the Durban International Film Festival. "The award is the highlight of our documentary film platform with Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation, and a strategic part of PUMAVision, our contribution to creating a better world for generations to come." The winning film will be announced at the PUMA.Creative and Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation Gala in London on October 11, 2011.
More than 70 submissions were assessed by the Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation and an independent Peer Review Committee made up of documentary and social change experts. Each film was judged by the impact of the film on the community, how it created increased awareness of an issue, or caused changes in attitudes and behaviour. The Peer Review Committee also considered the impact of the film on policy makers in government as well as business leaders around the world. For consideration all films must be: feature length (75 minutes or more), screened previously at a film festival or on television, released on or after November 1, 2007, and proven to have evidence of social impact. Through the process, which takes into consideration factors such as resources and budget, five films are shortlisted for the PUMA.Creative Impact Award.
For more information about the PUMA.Creative Impact Award, please visit: www.britdoc.org/impactaward.