9 October 2009 - The fight against corruption goes in search of a powerful new ally in Brazil: the movie screens. A new short-film contest has been scripted by UNODC in partnership with the Office of the Comptroller General of Brazil (CGU, in Portuguese).
Under the theme "Fight against corruption: a commitment of all", the contest requires contestants to submit unpublished short films in any genre (fiction, animation or documentary) in two categories: the one-minute film and the 5-10 minute film.
In the one-minute category, 20 entries will be awarded, while in the second category two projects will be selected for further financial support from CGU and UNODC. Up to US$ 40,000 will be awarded to winners in both categories.
"Brazilians need to be made aware, in a creative way, of corruption, its various forms and ways to be prevent it", said Izabela Corrêa, CGU manager of Ethics, Transparency and Integrity Promotion, "All of us - citizens, Governments, NGOs, international organizations - have an important role to play in this matter. Every 'no' is important for this fight", she added.
The award-winning shorts will be widely shown to the public so that citizens and social actors can be made aware of their role in preventing and fighting corruption.
The UNODC Representative for Brazil and the Southern Cone, Bo Mathiasen, said, "People usually think corruption is only the Government's fault. However, we should remember that it happens everywhere around us. Everyone can contribute towards a change in behaviour and reverse the culture of corruption."
Originality, creativity, technical quality, script and technical and commercial viability are some of the characteristics to be assessed by the judging committee. Winners will be announced on the CGU and UNODC websites on 27 November. Besides prizes, selected film directors will be invited to attend the official marking of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9 in Brasilia.
Cinema is not the only tool UNODC and CGU use to encourage people to fight corruption. Another contest will select electronic games projects addressed at children and adolescents, following the same short-film contest principles.
UNODC Brasil (Portuguese)