The works of Karol Szymanowski, Stanisław Lem and Czesław Miłosz serve as the inspiration for the I, Culture film competition. Image source: MillionYou.com
The Adam Mickiewicz Institute's I, Culture competition encourages young filmmakers to create their own tributes to Polish culture in anticipation of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. The contribution of such major figures as Karol Szymanowski, Stanisław Lem and Czesława Miłosz serve as the inspiration for creative minds aiming to make their mark on MillionYou.com
The website, run by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, serves as a platform for the film industry on both sides - filmmakers and fans. In early March, the site launched a call for submissions for the I, CULTURE film competition. The aim of the competition is to spark activity and interest around the life and works of three main figures of Poland's cultural programme of the latter half of 2011:
Karol Szymanowski,
Czesław Miłosz and
Stanisław Lem. Close to 400 performances and special events will be taking place all over Europe and Asia, featuring such gems as Teatr Biuro Podróży's elaborate ode to the prose of the nation's most brilliant science fiction writer in
Planet Lem.
The task set before potential competition winners is to present these themes in the context of Poland as the creative and cultural hub of Europe. As these films are to address to the residents of the ten I, Culture cities: Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid, Moscow, Kiev, Peking and Toyko, they must express their idea in a concise and universal manner - in under a minute.
Participants have the chance to win cash prizes totaling 15,000 Polish złoty:
- First place - 3 000 złotych
- Second place - 2 000 złotych
- Third place - 1 000 złotych
- Audience award: 2 000 złotych
- Ten honourable mentions at 700 złotych apiece.
The I, CULTURE programme of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council is the greatest undertaking of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. Between June and December 2011 ten capital cities will host hundreds of spectacular events, bringing Polish arts and letters into the spotlight.
MillionYou is Poland's first video-based social network aimed at promoting quality filmmaking by professionals and keen amateurs. It was established in 2008 and boasts tens of thousands of users, who have uploaded some 1400 films. Submissions are evaluated by industry professionals and occasionally awarded prizes in themed contests like the one described above. It provides independent users to showcase their works and sharpen their craft in a public forum.
I, CULTURE competition on MillionYou.com:
- March 1: contest launch
- April 20: submission deadline
- April 27 - May 8: online voting and jury deliberations
- May 11: winners announced
Media patrons for the contest are: Kino Polska and stopklatku.pl
Competition website:
millionyou.comSource: Adam Mickiewicz Institute