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FILM

Earth in Focus Singapore Nature Film Award

CATEGORIES

1. Short Film
People and Nature Short Films
This category celebrates films that explore the complex and interconnected relationship between humanity and the natural world. These films may examine how people interact with, depend on, or impact the environment, as well as the ways in which nature shapes human cultures, societies, and identities. Entries in this category may encompass a wide range of themes, including but not limited to environmental conservation, indigenous knowledge and stewardship, sustainable lifestyles, urban ecology, wildlife conservation, and the resilience of ecosystems in the face of human activities.
Criteria:

Depth of Exploration: The film should offer a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between people and nature, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities inherent in this dynamic interaction. Human Perspectives: The film should incorporate diverse human perspectives, experiences, and voices, highlighting the ways in which individuals and communities perceive, interact with, and value the natural world. Environmental Impact: Films in this category should address human impacts on the environment, whether positive or negative, and explore potential pathways for fostering more harmonious and sustainable relationships between people and nature. Cultural and Social Context: The film should consider the cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape human interactions with the environment, recognizing the diversity of cultural practices, belief systems, and ways of knowing related to nature. Inspiration and Empowerment: While acknowledging the challenges facing people and nature, the film should also inspire hope, resilience, and a sense of agency, empowering viewers to take action in support of environmental conservation and sustainable living practices. Visual Representation: Visual storytelling should play a key role in conveying the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the natural world, as well as the rich diversity of human experiences and cultures. Message and Call to Action: The film should not only raise awareness about environmental issues but also inspire action or encourage viewers to think differently about their relationship with the environment. A clear and compelling call to action can motivate audience members to make positive changes in their own lives or communities. Duration and Pacing: Short films should be concise and well-paced, holding the audience's attention without unnecessary padding or distractions. Every scene should serve a purpose and contribute to the film's overall impact. Impact and Sustainability: Consider the potential of the film to spark conversations, raise awareness, or effect meaningful change beyond the festival context. Films that inspire ongoing dialogue, activism, or community engagement may have a greater long-term impact. Storytelling: Effective storytelling is crucial. The film should engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, conveying its message through compelling narratives, characters, or real-life events. Creativity and Innovation: Look for innovative approaches to storytelling, cinematography, or visual effects that enhance the film's impact. Creativity can help to communicate complex environmental issues in accessible and thought-provoking ways. Accuracy and Authenticity: The film should present factual information accurately and avoid misinformation or greenwashing. Authenticity is key, particularly in documentaries or films based on real-life events. Visual Impact: Cinematography, editing, and visual aesthetics play a significant role in conveying the beauty of nature, the urgency of environmental threats, or the potential for positive change. Visually stunning or thoughtfully composed imagery can enhance the film's overall impact.

Natural History Blue Chip Short Film

This category aims to encourage filmmakers to create captivating and informative short films that celebrate the beauty and importance of the natural world while promoting awareness and conservation efforts.

The Blue Chip category in short filmmaking typically refers to a genre known for its exceptional production quality, immersive storytelling, and stunning visuals. These films often focus on wildlife, nature, and environmental conservation, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the natural world through cinematic excellence. These films not only showcase the beauty of the natural world but also serve as powerful advocates for environmental stewardship and conservation.

Criteria:

Visual Splendor: Blue Chip short films are renowned for their breathtaking cinematography and awe-inspiring visuals. Capturing the grandeur of landscapes, the intricacies of wildlife behavior, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Every frame is meticulously composed, showcasing the beauty and diversity of nature in stunning detail. Theme Relevance: The film should primarily focus on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, or ecological issues. It should demonstrate a clear connection to the theme of sustainability and eco-consciousness. Emotional Resonance: A successful Blue Chip film elicits emotional responses from the audience, fostering empathy and connection with the natural world. It should evoke a sense of awe, wonder, or concern, prompting reflection on humanity's relationship with the environment. Duration: Short films in the Blue Chip category typically range from 5 to 15 minutes in duration. While concise storytelling is encouraged, the film should allocate sufficient time to develop its narrative and showcase the beauty and complexity of nature. Ethical Considerations: Filmmakers should prioritize ethical practices in wildlife filmmaking, adhering to guidelines that prioritize the welfare and conservation of animals. Avoidance of staged or harmful behaviors towards wildlife is imperative. Narrative Depth: While Blue Chip films prioritize visual excellence, they also feature compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences. Whether through narration, character-driven stories, or visual storytelling, these films convey powerful messages about environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and humanity's relationship with nature. The storytelling is immersive and emotionally resonant, drawing viewers into the heart of the natural world. Production Quality: Blue Chip short films exhibit the highest standards of production quality, reflecting the expertise and dedication of the filmmakers. From pre-production planning to post-production editing, every aspect of the filmmaking process is executed with precision and artistry. Educational Value: In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Blue Chip short films often serve as educational tools, providing insights into the wonders of the natural world and the importance of environmental conservation. They may explore scientific concepts, ecological principles, and conservation efforts, presenting complex ideas in a visually compelling and accessible manner. These films inspire curiosity and appreciation for the wonders of nature, fostering a deeper understanding of our planet's ecosystems. Scientific Accuracy: If presenting scientific information or data, the film should maintain accuracy and credibility. Fact-checking and reliable sources are crucial to uphold the integrity of the content and ensure educational value. Impactful Messaging: Blue Chip short films have the power to inspire action and provoke thought on pressing environmental issues. Through their immersive storytelling and evocative imagery, they raise awareness about threats to biodiversity, habitat destruction, climate change, and other environmental challenges. They encourage viewers to reflect on their own role in protecting the planet and inspire positive change through advocacy, conservation efforts, and sustainable lifestyle choices. The film should inspire viewers to take meaningful action towards environmental stewardship. Whether through advocacy, lifestyle changes, or support for conservation initiatives, the audience should be motivated to contribute to positive change - A Call to Action.

2. Mobile Film

This category celebrates the power of mobile technology to democratize filmmaking and enable anyone to capture and share stories about the environment using their smartphones. Films submitted in this category should be entirely shot and edited on mobile devices, showcasing the creativity, resourcefulness, and unique perspectives of amateur filmmakers, nature enthusiasts, and citizen scientists. Entries may include short documentaries, nature vlogs, wildlife encounters, environmental activism videos, or experimental films that explore environmental themes using mobile phone technology.

Criteria:

Creativity and Innovation: Films in this category should demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to storytelling, cinematography, and editing, leveraging the unique capabilities of mobile phone cameras and editing apps to capture compelling visuals and narratives. Technical Proficiency: Despite the limitations of mobile devices compared to professional filmmaking equipment, entries should exhibit technical proficiency in terms of camera work, sound quality, and editing techniques. Attention to detail and effective use of mobile filmmaking tools (e.g., stabilization, manual controls, filters) are encouraged. Environmental Focus: The film should focus on environmental themes, issues, or experiences, whether it's capturing the beauty of nature, documenting environmental degradation, highlighting conservation efforts, or advocating for sustainable practices. The environmental message should be clear and compelling. Authenticity and Engagement: Mobile phone videos have the potential to offer intimate and authentic perspectives on the environment. The film should engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, immersing them in the filmmaker's experience and fostering a sense of connection with nature. Accessibility and Inclusivity: This category aims to be inclusive and accessible to filmmakers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Entries may come from diverse backgrounds, cultural contexts, and age groups, reflecting the global and grassroots nature of environmental activism and storytelling based in South East Asia. Impact and Empowerment: While professional production values are not expected, the film should have the potential to inspire and empower viewers to appreciate and protect the environment, encouraging individual and collective action for positive change. Duration and Format: Mobile phone videos should adhere to the festival's guidelines regarding duration and format. Entries should be concise and well-paced, maximizing the impact of the environmental message within the constraints of mobile filmmaking.

COMPETITION RULES

Earth in Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival Competition begins at 12:00 AM (SGT) on 12th June, 2024,
and closes at 11:59 PM (SGT) on 8th September, 2024.

Winners will be notified latest by the last week of October 2024. 

Enter

To avoid delays, DO NOT WAIT until the final days of the contest to enter. The large number of entrants trying to send in their films just before the deadline may overwhelm servers and prevent you from completing your entry to Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival 2024.

Eligibility

The Earth In Focus Singapore Nature Film Festival 2024 Competition is open to all filmmakers.

 

By participating, you accept all terms and conditions, and you warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements. The Participant warrants that their entry is original and does not infringe on any third party’s rights. If a third party is involved, the Participant is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions from the third party and/or the third party’s property if it appears in the film. Members of the festival organizing committee and/or their immediate family members, as well as their sponsors will not be eligible for the competition. 

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All submitted films need to be shot within the last 1 year (i.e. 01 June 2023 onwards).

Guidelines for video specifications

When setting video specifications for entering the competition, it is essential to balance quality with accessibility.

Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) HD (1280x720 pixels) Standard Definition (720x480 pixels) Frame Rate: 24 frames per second (fps) 30 fps 60 fps (for smoother motion) All frame rates must be constant File Format: MP4 (preferred for its compatibility and compression efficiency) MOV AVI Codec: Choose codecs that balance video quality and file size. Common options include: H.264 (widely supported and efficient for online streaming) H.265 (higher efficiency but may require more processing power) Bitrate: Suggested bitrate: Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for Full HD, 2-5 Mbps for HD Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen, standard for most videos) 4:3 (traditional television aspect ratio) 1:1 (square, popular for social media) - Allowed in Mobile Category only Audio Format: AAC (preferred for its quality and compression efficiency) MP3 Audio Channels: Stereo Codec: AAC-LC (Advance Audio Codec) Data rate: 320 kbit/s Sample rate: 48 kHz. Duration: Categories 1 & 2: Minimum 2 minutes Maximum 20 minutes Category 3 (Mobile Phone): Minimum 2 minutes Maximum 5 minutes Subtitles or Closed Captions: Subtitles or closed captions are required for all submissions, especially if films are in languages other than English, to ensure accessibility for a wider audience. Submission Method: Submission should be via the website no later than the submission deadline. Please upload it to YouTube/Vimeo/ equivalent encrypted with a password to be shared with the organizers. It should also include one (1) digital image (max. 5MB) e.g. a still from the submission itself, or behind the scenes.

JURY

Benjamin G. Hewett
Julie Busse
Candice Odgers
Christopher Annadorai profile_edited.jpg
Chris Annadorai

PRIZES

award badge_film.png
Winner of Earth in Focus Singapore
Nature Film of the Year 2024

Sony Alpha 7R V Full-Frame High Resolution
Camera (ILCE-7RM5) &
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200GM2)

Leofoto LVM-324C + BV-10L (tripod + fluid head),
H&Y Revoring VND-CPL 67-82mm (Variable ND-CPL filter), 64GB v90 SD card

First Runner Up
Second Runner Up

Leofoto LV-284C + BV-5,
H&Y Revoring 67-82mm (Variable Step Up Ring)

Leofoto MT-04 + LH-30R (mini tripod + ballhead)

award badge_film mobile.png
Winner of Earth in Focus Singapore Nature Film (Mobile Category) of the Year 2024

Sony Alpha 7R V Full-Frame High Resolution Camera (ILCE-7RM5) &FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)

Leofoto LY-224C + LB38 + BV-0R (tripod + fluid head),  Exascend Element 1TB  (Portable SSD)

First Runner Up
Second Runner Up

Exascend Element 2TB  (Portable SSD)

Leofoto MT-04 + LH-30R (mini tripod + ballhead)

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