CIDI Launches 'Lights, Camera, Action: Future Filmmakers for International Aid' Public Service Announcement Contest

    ARLINGTON, Va., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a year of international
 disasters and urgent calls for help from the victims, the Center for
 International Disaster Information (CIDI) today launched its first-ever public
 service announcement (PSA) contest targeting U.S.-based university students,
 seeking their help in creating an educational 30-second television PSA that
 will raise the level of awareness of and rally support for international
 disaster relief efforts.
     "I am very excited to announce this contest.  I encourage all university
 students to enter and take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase
 their creative abilities," said Suzanne Brooks, director of CIDI, who with
 more than 20 years experience in disaster assistance founded the organization
 in 1988.  "This is an excellent way for students to encourage appropriate
 international disaster relief while educating Americans about why cash is the
 best form of donation to help the victims of international disasters."
     Chris Palmer, an award-winning environmental film producer, is the
 official spokesperson for the contest.  He will spearhead a team of judges
 from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and CIDI who will
 choose the five PSAs that will be posted on CIDI's Web site for public voting
 and selection of official contest winners.  Throughout his 20 years in the
 film industry, Palmer has produced films for prime time television that were
 aired on Disney Channel, Animal Planet, TBS Superstation and The Travel
 Channel.  He has also produced six IMAX(R) films and received an Academy Award
 nomination for his work on the IMAX(R) film Dolphins.  Currently, Palmer is a
 professor at the School of Communications at American University and is the
 director and founder of the Center of Environmental Filmmaking also at
 American University.
     "When CIDI asked me to be the contest spokesperson, I eagerly accepted
 because it involved three things that are very important to me -- students,
 filmmaking and international donor giving," said Chris Palmer.  "Following a
 year marked by devastating international disasters, I think this contest is a
 great way to remind everyone about the importance of giving and that we all
 play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of international
 disaster victims."
     The theme of the contest is "Lights, Camera, Action: Future Filmmakers for
 International Aid," and videos can be about anything related to international
 aid and international disaster relief. The first-place winner will receive
 $7,500 in cash and the chance for the winning PSA to be seen nationally.  The
 second- and third-place winners will receive $2,500 and $500 in cash,
 respectively.
     A complete set of contest rules and regulations, as well as additional
 contest information, is available at http://www.cidi.org.
 
     CIDI is based in Arlington, VA, and was created in 1988. CIDI provides
 individuals, groups, embassies and corporations with information and guidance
 in support of appropriate international disaster relief efforts. The
 organization works with a variety of partners to channel the public's energy
 and desire to help to achieve maximum impact. By reaching out to the American
 public and the private sector, CIDI helps to promote activities and donations
 that will do the most good for disaster victims around the world.
 
 

SOURCE  Center for International Disaster Information