LatinaLista — As the year that is closing out the first decade of the 21st Century, 2010 has been filled with divisive rhetoric, witness to deeper divisions based on economics, race and ethnicity and an increase of intolerance and bullying as a way of life.
It’s not a situation that inspires hope.
Yet, hope comes from within each individual. A new campaign, of which Latina Lista is a proud partner, wants to tap into that individual vision of hope — hope for the future of the country; hope for acceptance of one another and tolerance of each other.
I Am This Land is a video contest where participants are asked to create a video that uses the phrase “I Am This Land” and which expresses hope for a more positive and open-minded America.
Sponsored by the human rights organization Breakthrough, I Am This Land videos can be animation, short documentary, music video, a mash-up or any other genre that can relay the message of the contest. There is a $2500 grand prize, a Skype call with an Academy and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, Activision music games including Guitar Hero, Band Hero, DJ Hero. Additional prizes include DJ Hero, tickets to hit Broadway musical Mamma Mia and more.
The contest is also open on the Twitterverse where tweets with the hashtag #iamthisland can join in expressing aspirations for an open-minded America.
From now until January 7th, contestants can upload their videos to the contest site, and fans across the country will view, discuss and rate each submission.
Then a panel of high profile judges will review the top 15 videos (top 10 as voted by the public and 5 selected by Breakthrough) and select the winners. Submissions begin November 16th and continue until January 7, 2011, and will be judged for overall impact of message, narrative, calls to action, and creativity.
“It’s been a year of remarkably angry and divisive rhetoric, and I believe that many people in America are ready for a more positive attitude toward diversity and equality,” said Mallika Dutt, founder, president and CEO of Breakthrough. “This is an opportunity for individuals to present their ideas, their vision, and their values of what being in America is all about.”
