LOS ANGELES (Press Release) —The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation announced the details of its third annual “Inspired by Israel” video contest, which it launched this week in partnership with the 12Tribe Films Foundation.
Hosted on Israelvideonetwork.com, the contest will ask entrants to submit videos that entertain, educate and inspire people about Israel. A total of $20,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winning videos, including a $8,000 Grand Prize. There are no fees to enter the contest, and anyone can submit a film.
“This contest is a chance for both professional and amateur filmmakers to show the world the amazing people, places and innovations of Israel,” said philanthropist Adam Milstein. “Israel’s incredible accomplishments, history, and people ignite pride and courage in Jewish people around the world and inspire people of all backgrounds and faiths. In this contest they can express those feelings through humor, original music, documentary-style research, and more.”
Entrants must register by June 24 and videos must be submitted by July 23. The public will be able to vote on their favorite videos online from Aug. 6 through 13.
Following a period of public voting, the top 11 prizes will be selected by a panel of independent experts including philanthropist Gila Milstein, Jewish Journal/Tribe Media President David Suissa, and President of Israel21c Amy Friedkin. Five other winning videos will be based on the public’s votes, and three additional “staff picks” will be chosen by the Israel Video Network. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of August.
“We have seen truly exceptional videos each time we have run this contest,” Gila Milstein said. “The filmmakers truly show what’s in their hearts: a deep and honest love for Israel and what makes Israel so special.”
Last year, the winners were announced via live-stream at a special ceremony in the City of David featuring Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat. During the ten-day period of public voting, entries received more than half a million views in 236 countries. The 2017 winning video, “Olah Chadasha (New Immigrant),” poetically explored a teenager’s love for her home of Israel five years after making Aliyah. Its creators, sisters Sivan Felder and Batsheva Shachnovitz, were profiled in several newspapers including the Times of Israel and Algemeiner.
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Preceding provided by the Milstein Family Foundation.