Beyond Borders: A Workshop on Filmmaking Across the Punjab Region

With support from the U.S. Embassy, “Beyond Borders: A Workshop of Filmmaking across the Punjab Region” will bring together 30 participants, 15 each from India and Pakistan Punjab region, to work together on conceptualizing, writing, and producing short films during a three-week visit May 12th-June 4th, 2017 to Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A. Participants will be engaged in American life through field trips and visit communities around the state of Indiana, learning about the diversity within America but also learning about each other in the process. The workshop is designed to develop filmmaking skills (camera and editing) and engage participants in making their own short films in small mixed groups of Indian/Pakistani members. In this collaborative exploration, there is the potential for participants to discover common ground to bridge a cultural and political foundation of understanding that will have lasting impact in the Punjab region upon their return.

Eligibility:To participate in the “Beyond Borders: A workshop on Filmmaking across the Punjab Region” applicants must be:

1. 22-30 years of age as of May 1, 2017.
2. Proficient in the English language in all categories: written, spoken, and listening comprehension.
3. Resident of the Punjab region in India or Pakistan.
4. Interested in making a commitment to public service and volunteerism (activities related to community and societal issues).
5. Interested in storytelling, filmmaking or other social media to influence society and advance multicultural dialogue. Experience with filmmaking not required.
6. Able to demonstrate leadership experience and self-motivation, with a willingness to learn new methods for leading a project for an impact in their communities.
7. Able to express commitment to return to the Punjab region and contribute to cross-cultural understanding and the stability and growth of the region.

Application requirements: Candidates are required to complete the Online Application form and attach the following documents with their application. All entries must be in English. Application deadline is December 10th, 2016.

1. Two reference letters (in English) that can address the applicant’s suitability for the project – from a teacher, employer or professional colleague.
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume – no more than 2 pages.
3. Upload a ONE MINUTE short video to any online format available (youtube.com, vimeo.com, etc.) introducing yourself. The video should be produced through any means available (cell phone, camera, etc.). Videos that exceed 60 seconds will be disqualified. Please make a video on ONLY ONE of the following themes/topics.
   1. Please describe, in a 60-second story format, the single most important experience that motivates your interest in this program.
   2. Please convince someone, in a 60-second story format, to move to your hometown.
   3. Please share, in a 60-second story format, something about your role in the community as a young leader.
4. Submit TWO short essay statements addressing TWO of the following themes/topics:
   1. Please tell us where you hope to be, and what you hope to be doing, in three to five years.
   2. Please explain how you would contribute toward promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between peoples of the Punjab region, both in India and Pakistan.
   3. Please briefly describe why you are interested in learning more about film and/or media.

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