Tony Blair competition seeks young filmmakers of faith

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation is looking for young budding filmmakers to enter its annual Faith Shorts film competition.

Anyone between the ages of 14 and 27 can submit a short film showing how faith impacts their life and the lives of those around them.

Entries will be judged by a panel that includes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, actors Hugh Jackman, Jet Li, and comedienne Dawn French.

The competition aims to counter false perceptions of religion and particularly the popular notion that religion is the biggest source of conflict in the world today.

Last year's competition was won by a group of Canadian Baha’i rappers who produced a creative and uplifting rap encouraging young people to be agents of social change.

A Christian Filipino film student focused on the darker side of religion and the way in which faith can be tested in moments of adversity and a Muslim high school student worked with her class in the UK to explore the true meaning of Islam.

Mr Blair said: “More than ever before, filmmaking has the power to expand the reach of religious ideas to new horizons. But film also has the power to shape public perspectives on religious traditions.

"Films that feature faith often focus on religious conflict and division, leaving out scores of positive stories of co-existence and co-operation."

“The world is at an important juncture, where each day people make decisions about whether to be open or closed minded about difference. It is my hope that this competition continues to nurture a generation of young people who embrace and respect difference rather than fear it.”

Mr Jackman said he had been impressed by the quality of submissions in last year's competition. He encouraged more young people to use the competition to tell their story.

"I hope Faith Shorts 2012 will continue to break down barriers and give young people a chance to be heard," he said.

Find out more at: www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/projects/faithshorts