Mumbai: Filmaka has inked a partnership with WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn? to provide creative artists around the world with an opportunity to produce content for WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn?, distributed on MSN. In support of the new venture, Filmaka is enabling its members to submit impactful films that ignite passion and evoke positive change from all corners of the globe.
To coincide with the launch of the channel in August, What on earth is going on is also the first theme, kicking off a series of quarterly competitions that will take place throughout the year. Each quarter, 15 finalists chosen by the Filmaka community will be awarded a cash prize of $1,500 each. These films will be hosted on the channel, where they will be available to stream before half a billion people around the world.
When showcased on the premiere of What On Earth ‘s MSN channel, the films will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including controversial and acclaimed documentarian Nick Broomfield, award-winning filmmaker and founder of Pangea Day, Jehane Nouijaim, founder of Filmaka, Deepak Nayar and will be chaired by founder of WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn?, David Alberts. The award-winning jury will select two of the finalists per quarter for a further commission. These two filmmakers will be awarded an additional $10,000 each to make another short film for an exciting new project entitled A Global Tapestry, a collaborative film in which each director will contribute their interpretation of a common theme.
"We are pleased to give our global community of aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to work with such a noteworthy organization as WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn? and to have their creativity highlighted on the world’s most popular Internet destination. This initiative underscores our commitment to provide aspiring directors and writers with real-world opportunities while promoting social change," said, Filmaka president Sandy Grushow. "Our connection with WhatOnEarth and MSN ensures that high-quality and meaningful films will be seen by more than 500 million people."
"WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn? is a wonderful platform for Filmaka members to share their stories and gives viewers the opportunity to compare and contrast the attitudes and beliefs of different people, cultures and countries," said Alberts. "I am excited to partner with the Filmaka team and MSN to create something that can really make a difference in the lives of our audience and spotlight the issues that matter."
