WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a new citizen-security initiative aimed at getting young people from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to indicate how they would deal with crime and security on the streets of their cities.
The IDB said it has teamed up with SmartFilms Film Festival for the initiative and is calling for submissions on the theme “I am not afraid to enjoy my city”.
“We seek films by young people and professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean who, through creativity, art and technology, tell us in two minutes how they see security and crime prevention on the streets of their city. The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2019,” the IDB said.
It said that insecurity has many faces: barred windows, private security systems, closed urban spaces, barbed wire.
“It can create cities within cities. It can mean changing the route you take when you drive or bike. Crime conditions our lives: where we go, where we live, what time we leave home and return. However, there are also efforts and progress being made to improve security and prevent crime.
“We are looking for creative individuals to tell the world that they are not afraid to enjoy their city because ideas are changing and the state is modernizing.”
The IDB said that the stories could show how citizens have trust in the police and an efficient and fair justice system as well as there being social programmes that create opportunities for a future beyond crime.
It said the stories could also show prisons can be rehabilitative spaces and former inmates have a second chance as well as society understanding that violence against women is also a problem for men.
“Films must be recorded on one or more smart mobile devices (phones or tablets) of any kind. The creator must be an amateur or professional of over 13 years of age. The film should last two minutes, including credits, and should be recorded in a horizontal orientation. The short must be an original work that has not been marketed or displayed on social networks, the internet, or other platforms,” the IDB said, adding that the deadline for submissions is July 30, 2019.
It said the winning short will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Colombia on September 10 and that the winning filmmaker will receive 20 million Colombian pesos (US$6,000).
