The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) in London is inviting young people from around the Commonwealth, to make their voice heard on a Global Platform, through Film and Photography. In previous years, winners of the competitions have included those making a film or taking a picture for the very first time. As noted by the RCS team, “what we are looking for is a creative spark, a unique insight, or a new idea!”

This year, the Commonwealth theme is ‘Women as Agents of Change’. To this end, the RCS is inviting entrants to use the medium of Film or Photography to describe the opportunities and barriers faced by women and the roles they play in their family, community and nation. Prizes across both competitions include monetary awards, Film and Photography equipment, exhibitions at prestigious venues and submission to prestigious festivals around the Commonwealth. In 2010, a selection of the filmmakers and photographers behind the judges’ favourite entries were also flown to London to visits famous sights (including a special tour of the Houses of Parliament) and to attend workshops with professional filmmakers and photographers. Furthermore, awards and prizes were presented at a special gala awards ceremony by Gurindher Chanda – the award-winning director of films such as Bend it like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice and Bhaji on The Beach. Details of this year’s top prize will be revealed at the beginning of July 2011. John Apea, the star of the iconic TV show, Home Sweet Home and a multiple African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) winner, who is currently working with the RCS to deliver these competitions noted: “This is a very exciting project which would provide unbelievable exposure for aspiring filmmakers and photographers. I urge all young people from the Commonwealth to get involved”. He adds, “whether your camera is big or small, expensive or inexpensive the RCS wants you to get involved”.

To be eligible to enter the competition, entrants must be under 30 years old and from or resident in a Commonwealth country. Also, the film or photograph must be connected to the theme ‘Women as Agents of Change’, and up to 4 minutes in length. Submission can be made online before the deadline of 1st August at www.rcsregister.org/public/index/index). Alternatively, entrants can upload entries on YouTube (or a similar site), and email the link together with a completed entry form to competitions@thercs.org. Postal entries can also be made by printing and completing the application form and sending it together with your entry, to the appropriate address.

More information, about the competitions can be found on the RCS website: www.thercs.org/youth/competitions, or email competitions@thercs.org or youth@thercs.org with any questions.