Are you a budding filmmaker? Do you carry a torch for Asian American awareness? Submit a 30-second PSA video to the Reel in the Vote Contest, a non-partisan campaign to get more Asian Pacific Islander Americans (AIPAs) and independent voters in the voting booths to make a difference with their ballots. Receiving a major grant from the California Independent Voter Project and CAUSE (Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment).

“Our goal is to generate awareness, excitement, and dialogue about voting in this election year,” says SDAFF executive director, Lee Ann Kim. “One way to do that is to engage artists and the public to create fresh ways to present that important message.”

“The contest is a way to politically empower the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to participate, be heard and get out and vote in this year’s election. We look forward to sponsoring the contest with the San Diego Asian Film Foundation,” says CAUSE chairman Chalie Woo.

While the contest is open to the public and free to enter, videos are required to be no more than 30-seconds in length and must target the Asian Pacific Islander community, promote civic responsibility and democratic participation in the electoral processes. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and message. The deadline for entries is August 31.

Watch the sample PSA here: http://bit.ly/PSAREELINVOTE

There’s never enough turnout for Asian American voters and this is a great way to get filmmakers some exposure and help in the cause of getting involved in the growing Asian American community.

The contest is again FREE to enter, and the Top 3 entries will be revealed on the SDAFF website in September and screen before every film in the San Diego Asian Film Festival, October 21-28. The three finalists will also get travel and lodging expenses to the festival and the winner will be chosen by a live audience at the Gala Awards Dinner on October 23rd. The winner will receive $1000 and the two runner-ups will get $250.

Feel free to spread this on facebook, twitter, or email the following:

#REELINTHEVOTE w/SD Asian Film Fest @SDAFF 30 Sec PSA Contest! Over $2,000 in prizes! More info: http://bit.ly/reelinthevote

For more info on Reel in the Vote at www.sdaff.org or feel free to contact us at 858.565.1264 | Info@sdaff.org