Film Contest to Explore Hope

Social Activist Filmmaker Shalini Kantayya Awarded $10,000 to Produce Final-Round Film for Doorpost Contest

Shalini Kantayya has been selected as one of the top 15 highest-scoring finalists from round one of The Doorpost Film Project, a short filmmaking contest aimed at discovering and developing filmmakers capable of producing films that inspire and influence, rather than simply entertain. She and fellow finalists have each been given $10,000 to produce a final-round short film (8-15 minutes) based on the designated topic of hope, with an August 15th deadline.

In round one, the 31-year-old On the Lot Fox reality show finalist tackled the topic of pain in her short, entitled Vita's Garden, the story of one little girl's search to find beauty in her sterile, desolate environment and the subsequent hope of her magical discovery.

"As a filmmaker and human rights activist, I believe film is the spark that can ignite positive social change," Kantayya said. "I seek to tell stories that inspire, educate and empower audiences to see the world in a new way; women still represent less than a scarce 8% of directors in Hollywood, and I feel strongly that women's voices in film are essential to transforming culture. I am honored to be one of two women out of Doorpost's 15 finalists."

The 15 finalists' films will debut between August 17 and 31, with final round voting to occur September 1-10. The Film Project will culminate with a Festival in Nashville, Tenn., September 13 with a showing of the selected films and an awards presentation.

"The shorts submitted in round one surpassed our expectations," said Nathan Elliott, director of the Project. "This is a globally, ethnically and racially diverse group of filmmakers that have one important thing in common: they're enormously talented. We're excited to see how their talent will manifest itself in the second round."

The Doorpost provides a grand prize totaling $100,000 and second and third place awards for $30,000 and $20,000 respectively. The $100,000 award will be given to the entrant who demonstrates unique promise as the most captivating, contemplative and visionary filmmaker of the future. In addition to the $100,000 grand prize, the first-place winner also receives scheduled private meetings in Los Angeles with development studios for prospective film deals. Each of the 15 finalists will receive a written critique of their film by the jurist panel.

About The Doorpost Film Project

The Doorpost Film Project, awaiting non-profit status, is an organization created to recognize, honor and equip emerging filmmakers whose works depict themes central to the core of life, its struggles and its ultimate purpose. The organization's supporters comprise a multitude of investors from numerous continents, backgrounds and careers, all dedicated to helping move filmmaking beyond entertainment to the realm of influence.

Additional information is available at www.thedoorpost.com.

In addition, please see Shalini's film A Drop of Life.

Reprinted with permission.

Article on Evidence of Humanity website