UNAOC and IOM calls on youths to submit videos for the “Plural+ Youth Video Festival”

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have announced the 2021 call for video submissions for the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival.

The two organisations made the announcement via a press release issued on Tuesday.

In this regard, High Representative for UNAOC, Miguel Ángel Moratinos said, "Today more than ever, we need to hear from young people and encourage them to show us the world that they want to build and live in. PLURAL+ provides this platform to empower youth and allow them to share their vision and inspire us all."

IOM Director General António Vitorino said, "Through PLURAL+, many young people have used their talent to produce short films calling for change for the better, particularly on migration, inclusion, and diversity issues. With change defining our lives since the pandemic, now is an opportunity to reimagine through young people's lenses these issues and the world we want," he added.

Every year, PLURAL+ invites young people up to 25 years old to submit original and creative short films conveying constructive messages related to the themes of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia, the release said.

The winners will be invited all expenses paid to participate in the PLURAL+ Awards Ceremony, which will take place in late 2021.

With the help of an international jury, IOM and UNAOC will jointly select one short film in each of three age categories (up to 12, 13 to 17, and 18 to 25 years old).

This year, they will also award three special prizes: the first one, the Special Award for the Prevention of Xenophobia, will recognise a film that best illustrates the issue of xenophobia and fosters respect for all.

The award #forSafeWorship, will recognize a film that best explores the theme of religious diversity and coexistence between religions and faiths in our modern world. Finally, and for the first time this year, the Award for Solidarity amid Covid-19 will recognise a film that best explores the impact of COVID-19 and related stigma on minority groups, and the need for unity and solidarity to ensure that no one is left behind in terms of equitable access to treatment and vaccines. PLURAL+ partner organisations will also award a multitude of prizes and professional opportunities to several young filmmakers.

The deadline to apply for PLURAL+ this year is Friday, 18 June 2021, at 5 PM EST. For more information and to submit a video, visit: https://pluralplus.unaoc.org/plural-entry-form/