Entries for the 8th annual MultiChoice VUKA! Awards are now open. This inspired MultiChoice campaign has created almost 1 200 public service announcements (PSAs) in the past eight years, giving a voice and a face to issues that may otherwise be ignored.
2006 marks the introduction of a new short film category, VUKA! Short Cuts. This category calls for two- to three-minute short films that are engaging, explorative and have at their heart a social investment message a€” the emphasis is on the storytelling (fictional narrative).
“The short film format is becoming increasingly interesting worldwide with the advent of new media platforms such as mobile phones and the Internet,” explains MultiChoice Corporate Affairs General Manager Jackie Rakitla. “VUKA! Short cuts will look for films that have powerful emotive content a€” the ability to move an audience and tell a story in a very short time.”
Marilyn Watson, corporate communications manager, MultiChoice adds: “The MultiChoice VUKA! Awards is the company’s flagship corporate social investment project and is made possible by South Africans who have a passion for film and making a difference in other peoples lives.
“It aims to encourage South Africans to focus beyond the lens, creating empathy, inspiring action, building national pride and, ultimately, generating income and awareness for the charities. The MultiChoice VUKA! Awards support the South African film and advertising industry, by showcasing professional talent and encouraging fresh, raw talent. “They help to spread a message of hope to viewers through the free flighting of public service announcements on selected DStv channels.”
The Multichoice Vuka! Awards make provision for entries in two categories namely “Newcomer & Student entries” and “Professional entries”, with the following awards given in both categories:
- Best Overall PSA
- Best Director
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Concept
- Best use of humour to convey a serious message
Best Editor - Best Original Music or Original Sound Design and FX
- Best Animation
Entrants need to select their preferred charity or worthy cause, and then produce a film or PSA (Public Service Announcement) linked to this theme.
Entry forms are available from http://vuka.multichoice.co.za or from most major industry suppliers and post-production facilities. Call Candice or Vauldi on +27 11 804 2552 or email vuka@thebomb.co.za. Closing date for entries is September 29. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.
