DOST-SEI’s science film plum nears deadline

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) pioneering science filmmaking competition, Indie-Siyensya, is calling for entry submissions to its 5^th run bannering the theme “The Scientist in Me.”

The contest is open to all Filipinos who may join as individuals or in groups. There are two categories: the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, and the “Open category” for college students, teachers, amateur filmmakers, and even science professionals.

Entries must be short documentaries which should have a running time of up to ten (10) minutes. The films must be relevant to the aforementioned theme, which can be a documentation of personal experiments or explainers of scientific phenomena relevant to communities.

The deadline for entries is on September 30, 2021.

“Indie-Siyensya is back for the fifth time to promote film as a medium in communicating science,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo. “This activity has been successful in developing effective science communicators from the ranks of the youth to the professionals, which is important given the demand for accurate scientific information in the country.”

Biyo said the contest encourages students to hone their creative skills while striving to explain scientific concepts that may have an impact to their respective communities.

“This pioneering competition aims to use filmmaking in making scientific information accessible and in an entertaining manner. Given the rise of short-form videos at a time where we really can’t go outside much, we believe that the visual media will continue to emerge as the platform-to-be for science education,” she added.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Scientific Content, Execution of Idea and Film Techniques. Winners for each category will receive trophies and cash prizes worth Php 100,000 for the Best Film, Php 50,000 pesos for the second prize, and Php 30,000 for the third prize. Two entries (one per category) will also win Viewers’ Choice award with a prize of Php 20,000.

For contest mechanics and other information, interested participants may visit www.sei.dost.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/dostseiindiesiyensya.