PCW invites young filmmakers to join Cine Juana Digital Shorts Competition

The Philippine Commission on Women calls on young film enthusiasts to join the Cine Juana Digital Shorts Competition, one of the highlights of the 2019 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW), which runs from November 25 to December 12, 2019.

The Commission launched the competition, recognizing film as a powerful tool in raising awareness on violence and inspiring action to prevent it. 

Cine Juana is open to all senior high school (SHS) and college students nationwide who are willing to fuel their passion for film by sharing in PCW’s advocacy to free women from violence.

Interested students can produce a film and join any of the three categories:

#JuanParaKayJuana

Entries under this category should highlight the role of men and boys in reducing violence against women (VAW), especially in their own circles. It can depict how men must not condone violence against women; how they can aid victims; how they can challenge the normalization of violence as an expression of masculinity; and how they can promote gender equality.

#LabanJuana

The 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey showed that only 34% of women who experience VAW sought help to stop the violence. Entries for this category should feature empowering stories that encourage women to seek help and break free from the cycle of violence.

#LigtasJuana

With the approval of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313),gender-based harassment in public places, including online, like wolf whistling, catcalling, misogynistic and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of sexual harassment are now punishable.

Entries under this category shall spotlight on the important provisions of this new law, to help explain and popularize its contents.

Each entry must be at least 3 minutes but not more than 5 minutes in duration. The deadline of submission of entries is on or before November 4, 2019. 

Esteemed judges from the film industry and gender and development (GAD) experts and practitioners will select three winners (1st to 3rd place) per category. The prizes are as follows:

Per category: 

• 1st place: 50,000
• 2nd place:  35,000
• 3rd place: 20,000

Consolation prize for two finalists: 5,000

One People’s Choice Award to be chosen from the 15 finalists: 15,000

The online voting will be opened on November 5, 2019. The film with the highest number of shares will win the People's Choice Award. The basis for determining the number of shares will be PCW's FB insights. Voting period will run from November 5 to 12, 2019.

Finalists will be notified via e-mail. Winners will be announced and awarded during the kick-off ceremony of the 18-Day Campaign on Violence Against Women on November 25, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

In addition to the cash prizes, all finalists shall be provided with reserved slots for the Youth Forum on VAW at the PICC on November 25.  PCW shall also shoulder the transportation and accommodation expenses (allowable government rates) of two team members for the finalists coming from the provinces.

Other activities for the 2019 18-Day Campaign to End VAW include: Youth Forum on VAW, Anti-VAW Expo 2019, Orange Your Icon for 18 Days, and Online Advocacy throughout the campaign period. 

For years, the Philippine Commission on Women has used the power of cinema in spreading information on VAW and other gender issues. In 2018, the Commission led the Cine Juana Film Festival, which featured films focusing on VAW. It also released a series of videos entitled “VAW: The Unspoken Words,” showing the different kinds of violence experienced in the home, school, workplace, online, and public spaces.

The PCW also recommends films discussing VAW to agencies and stakeholders for screening in line with the 18-Day Campaign Against Women.

Press release from PCW