Argo Untold Stories Short Film Awards 2020

In order to give a spotlight to the untold stories around the world, we are creating a digital short film competition focused on promoting BIPOC (Black, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin, Pacific Island and Indigenous) stories.

Change the industry, one short at a time.

We want more representation in film. Your films have the power to make it happen. We encourage the creators to have a social impact by using their talents to tell stories that matter.

We celebrate everyone’s experiences and cultures. And our Short Film Awards aims to spotlight those unique to Black creators, Indigenous creators, Middle Eastern creators, Asian creators, Pacific Island creators and Latinx creators. Our jury is excited to see works that make them stop and think; short films that tell inspiring stories, counter ignorance, and drive a positive message.

We want to hear from ALL creators, artists, performers, thinkers, and rebels who want to join us on our mission!

https://watchargo.com/argo-untold-stories-short-film-awards-2020-event/

We are pleased to announce the Argo Untold Stories Short Film Awards 2020 Screening Event

When: 7pm, 26th of October 2020
Where: White City House, London
Tickets will be available on the Soho House White City website from October 1st.

Guests will be treated to screenings of the 5 winning short films and Q&A’s with the filmmakers. The evening will begin at 7:00pm. All filmmakers are encouraged to come and learn about Argo’s plans to shake up the industry and democratise distribution.

Our global curators and team of judges have reviewed over 500 short films, from over 30 countries and selected a shortlist of 10 films across a range of genres, themes, topics, and styles, as well as 5 category winners.

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How it works:

The Argo Untold Stories Short Film Awards 2020 is a digital competition. Our global curators and team of judges will review every submission and pick a shortlist of 10 films across a range of genres, themes, topics, and styles. The shortlist will be featured on the Argo platform amongst Oscar winners, esteemed institutions and industry favorites. Viewers can then vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced 16 October 2020.
Voting for the “Fan Favorite Film” will be conducted on the Argo app, beginning on 16 October 2020. The winner will be announced on 2 November 2020.

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Jury:

Nina Yang Bongiovi, Producer (Fruitvale Station, Roxanne Roxanne, Sorry to Bother You, Dope)
- Ross Kauffman, Director / Producer / Cinematographer (Born Into Brothels, E-Team, Postergirl)
- Ramin Bahrani, Director / Producer / Writer (99 Homes, Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo)
- Senain Khesghi, Director / Producer/ Writer (Divas of Karachi, Moving Stories, The Diplomat, Project Kashmir) & Managing Director of Majority Films
- Shola Lynch, Filmmaker / Writer / Curator (Chisholm '72, Free Angela and All Political Prisoners)
- Angga Dwimas Sasongko, Director / Producer (Letters from Prague, We are Moluccans, Hari Untuk Amanda)
- Stacy Ike, Actress and TV Host
- Paula Yoo, Writer/ Producer (Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Eureka, Mozart in the Jungle)

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Submissions:

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- Participants must DOWNLOAD the Argo app
- Participants must follow @watch.argo on instagram or @watch_argo on twitter.
- Submissions must be made through the FilmFreeway application form.
- Submissions must have a running time of less than 35 minutes (no minimum length)
- Can be in ANY languages, however must have English subtitles
- Must be the rights owner
- All runner-ups and winners will be showcased publicly on Argo platform
- All BIPOC filmmakers are encouraged to submit films, regardless of their topic.
- Non-BIPOC filmmakers are still encouraged to submit films, as long as their film focuses on a BIPOC narrative.

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Background:

Social injustice is painfully prevalent. The crucial need for a rebalance has thankfully come to the forefront of our consciousness, as society is finally waking up to racial inequality. However, mere virtue signalling is unacceptable, as the Black Lives Matter movement has shown. BIPOC voices need to be lifted up, and to be given their deserved recognition.

Film has the power to affect a narrative, on a global scale. We want to utilise this power for positive advancement. We encourage creators to have a social impact, and to use their talents to shine a light on these stories.

Argo’s mission is to showcase the positive advancements that can happen through the medium of short film. We encourage creators to tell stories with no reservations nor fear, but with spirit and passion. We want creators to use their talent to shine a light on the untold stories!

The Argo Untold Stories Short Film Awards 2020: show us your values, your mission, and your appetite for positive change!

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Our goal is to present and amplify the broad spectrum of BIPOC stories, particularly those that reinforce positive images, counter ignorance and promote universal social justice.

Film is a unique medium, enabling creators to bring to life different perspectives and experiences. Film fosters communication between people of diverse cultures, races and lifestyles.

Argo is building a vehicle to initiate pertinent and necessary dialogue. We want to hear from all creators, artists, performers, thinkers, and rebels who want to join us on our mission.

For any questions please reach out to:
Email: crew@argomedia.co
Instagram: @watch.argo
Twitter: @watch_argo
Facebook: @watchargo

Venue:

We are proud to announce that the Untold Stories Awards will be screened on Monday 26th October 2020 at White City House! This will be an evening of drinks and Q+As with winning filmmakers, as well as a showcase of the winning short films. Tickets will be available through the Soho House website and app.