Video Makers from Lithuania, Portugal and Estonia shortlisted for an EU award

Amateur video makers from Lithuania, Portugal and Estonia have been shortlisted for the 2013 Europe Past Forward awards that aim to reward videos on the meaning of European citizenship. The award ceremony will take place in Brussels on 20 March 2013.

27-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Over 130 amateur video makers from the 27 MemberStates and Croatia (which is joining the EU in 2013) have submitted entries for the Europe Past Forward, an annual video challenge organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.

This year’s competition asked European youngsters, aged between 18 and 30, to submit a clip showing what it means to them to be a citizen of the European Union. The theme of the competition ties in with the European Year of Citizens, which seeks to promote active, informed and inclusive participation.

The nominees for the three main awards were selected by a professional jury from a shortlist of videos voted by the public. This year’s three winners are teams from Lithuania, Portugal and Estonia and the final ranking will be announced at the award ceremony on 20th March 2013. The winning teams will be awarded 2000 euros, 3000 euros or the first prize of 5000 euros.

The winning projects (in alphabetical order)

Better together (Lithuania): a clip showing that the European Union is a community of people, and that in their day-to-day activity ordinary citizens can see the impact of the EU on their lives.

EU27 (Estonia): demonstrates joint efforts by and cooperation between EU Member States. This video uses creative forms to explain the different values that they believe are prominent across Europe.

What does being an EU citizen mean? (Portugal): shows collaboration between 70 people from 8 different EU Member States, each expressing their thoughts and opinions about being a citizen of the European Union.

Europe Past Forward is an annual video challenge organised by the European Economic and Social Committee. This video challenge gives young people from the EU aged 18-30 an opportunity to have their voices heard by submitting a short video clip. The theme for the 2013 contest is linked to the European Year of Citizens, which is of particular relevance to the Committee’s efforts to achieve active, informed and inclusive participation. Participants were asked to share their thoughts on what it means to them to be a citizen of the European Union. What are their values, beliefs, rights and needs? What do they think about democracy, freedom and dialogue? Have they had opportunities to contribute and share and if so, how did they use those opportunities?

For more information:

Website: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.video-challenge-2013

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/EESC-Video-Challenge/267763009938981?ref=hl

Email: challenge@eu-turn.com

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