Do you have much to say about social issues but can’t seem to find a platform to make your voice heard?

Perhaps in your own words the world’s a terrible place to live in, with impending catastrophes like global warming and animal extinction set to wipe out life as we know it. Sad to say, no one else cares and you find yourself alone in your quest to save the world.

Well, it’s time to stop counting down to the End of Days because here’s a chance for you to make a difference and meet likeminded people.

Not only will you now be given an opportunity to speak, but you’ll also be able to show fellow Singaporeans what issues they should be focusing on instead of continually grumbling about the negative social effects that the Integrated Resorts (IRs) will bring about.

Okay, you got my attention. What’s this all about?

Jointly organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) and The Substation’s Moving Images, Reel Revolution 2007 aims to inspire youths aged 15 to 35 to develop a passion for thought and opine through a medium which they are all familiar with: visual and moving images.

The 8-week film programme consists of several public events: the introductory seminar, 2 learning talks, an international student film festival called Young Guns, and finally the Powwow and Immersion.

The public can also attend the kick-off of Reel Revolution 2007 – “Reflections on the ASEAN Community” with its introductory seminar at the Singapore Management University (SMU) on May 26.

Various workshops will be conducted by filmmakers and multidisciplinary artists with the likes of Wee Li Lin, director of Gone Shopping, and Don Salubaya from Philippines. There will also be talks by 2006 ASEAN Youth Award winner Glenn Lim and a panel discussion on filmmaking.

On The Substation’s part, they’re proud to work with the SIIA to champion the cause of film making for a social change.

And according to Ms Audrey Wong, Artistic Co-director of The Substation, “Film is a medium that many young people are embracing more than ever before, so here’s a chance for them to do something that synergises their creativity and thinking skills.”

To which, Mr Simon Tay Chairman of the SIIA, stated, “As Singapore celebrates ASEAN’s 40th anniversary, the SIIA hopes to encourage the young in Singapore to take a closer look at issues in the ASEAN region. Reel Revolution provides the platform to engage youths on multiple levels. Film and the Arts can connect us.”

So I can talk about anything?

M Elaine Teng, Communications Executive of SIIA, thinks that Reel Revolution 2007 is a very good platform to raise issues, “because whatever our neighbours do affect us, [Singapore] cannot be disconnected from the rest of the ASEAN and it is important for us to be part of the ASEAN community.”

Needless to say, censorship will still be an issue for the short-listed films that will be screened during the Reel Revolution Powwow on Jul 14.

“Basically, at the end of the competition, the Media Development Authority (MDA) will categorise the films. It has to safeguard the interests of the public as, educational as the films might be, we still need to take into consideration that everyone will have a chance to view it.” Mr Eric Tan, Assistant Director of the MDA, commented.

I’m interested but… I can’t learn the art of film making in just a day on my own!

Fret not. Interested youths would be paired up with a mentor to produce a 4 minute video essay on social issues. Ms Tania Sng, Creative Director of Aquafire Productions, feels that her role as a mentor in this competition would be primarily in the execution process by “helping the youths to focus on what they are trying to say and guide them to find their own voice and listen to that voice”.

I don’t own a camcorder, do I still qualify?

Although video recording devices will not be provided, The Substation will offer slots for editing opportunities at their office at 45 Armenian Street.

Age, check. Issue to discuss, check. Equipment, check. I’m all set to go! But what do I get if my film wins?

There will be 3 cash prizes of $1000, $500 and $300 each in the student and open categories. In addition, the first prize winners of each category will be awarded $2500 to produce a short film as part of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)’s Youth Excellence Initiative.

An awards ceremony for the top 3 prize winners of each category will also be held on Aug 23 at the SIIA’s ASEAN Film Festival Opening VIP Reception.

So after all that’s been said, what are you waiting for? As Mr Lionel Khor, an associate producer with The Substation put it,“Everyone has a message to share. You can either just tell your friends or tell the world. So make a film, tell everyone.”

Simply sign up by June 9 and submit your film on Jul 1 for the chance to show Singaporeans what’s really important. Log on to revolution.youth.sg for more information.

Pictures courtesy of The Substation