Migrant Voices Film Challenge

Call for Entries

The San Diego Union-Tribune and Media Arts Center San Diego’s 2020 San Diego Latino Film Festival invite international media artists and journalists to participate in the second year of our cross-border project: The “Migrant Voices” Film Challenge (Voces de los Migrantes).

With the current humanitarian crisis unfolding along the San Diego-Baja California border, last year’s film challenge received 293 entries from around the world. From these entries, the jury selected 15 honest, thought-provoking works that give voice to the migrants who have arrived at the border; the realities of their everyday lives; and the struggle of being caught in the crosshairs of a bi-national debate.

This year, “Migrant Voices” will expand beyond those arriving in caravans to delve into migrant stories on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. We are seeking honest, thought-provoking works that give voice to the migrants who may be seeking asylum, “Dreamers” caught in ongoing DACA court battles, families split apart by new laws, as well as people living with the everyday realities of immigration policies.

We have $6,000 in cash prizes to be awarded! Categories include:
Emerging Filmmaker/Artist (under 25) – $1,000 prize
Professional (Journalist/Filmmaker/Media Artist – 25 years old and up) – $5,000 prize

Deadline: Feb. 1, 2020
Enter your video here: filmfreeway.com/migrantvoices
Info: (619) 230-1938 / info@mediaartscenter.org

Videos must be under 6 minutes and can be in English or Spanish. Short documentaries and digital stories are encouraged, but all genres will be accepted (i.e. experimental, news pieces, etc.).

Media Arts Center San Diego’s San Diego Latino Film Festival team will oversee the selection of nominees and winners; the jury will include cross-border scholars, filmmakers, journalists and photographers. Finalists will be announced on Feb. 20, 2020, and their works screened at the 27th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 12-22, 2020.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a special premiere screening and discussion on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at the AMC Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA.

Entries must be uploaded via FilmFreeway and accompanied by synopsis of work, stills of video project, and bio(s) of key artists/filmmakers. International filmmakers, journalists, and media artists are welcome to participate.

Finalists’ work will be highlighted online at sandiegouniontribune.com.