Image source: amsler via Flickr.
You know that eccentric neighbor you have, the one who can only be described as a character? What about that huge house, the one that’s the nicest on the block? Or the ugliest? You know that really loud family, the one with the 3 dogs who seem to have a party every weekend? And those kids? [Don't get me started on them...]
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Self, if only I had an excuse to get up off my tuchus and take some footage of all this effing craziness…”
Well, now you do!
The On My Block Film Challenge is a way to promote the people, places, and things that make your block the best, worst, weirdest, or most typical place in the five boroughs – all while doing something that most neighbors don’t seem to do nearly enough of lately – socialize with each other.
“When you’re not connected to the people living on the other side of the wall, it’s hard to have any sense of belonging within a community,” said contest organizers in a statement on their website. “On My Block creates an opportunity for neighbors to introduce themselves, work together, and create trusting relationships through the collaborative filmmaking process. The films created will live on past the festival window as a source for community pride and as a living map of the world’s most creative city.”
The rules are pretty simple, and since the films are only a few minutes long, the project shouldn’t take too much time out of your busy schedule.
Just remember that the films must be uploaded by October 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m in order to be eligible, though you’ll probably want to get yours out well before then so people have a chance to vote on it.
The top 15 films will be screened at an On My Block film festival, which will be held in November.
At the festival, prizes will be given out for Judges Selections in categories that include Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary, and Best in Show.
For more specifics, please visit the contest’s official website.
Happy filming!