Heritage Changes

CONCEPT PAPER

MAURITIUS HERITAGE SHORT FILM COMPETITION 2023

The National Heritage Fund (NHF)

&

  The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC)

(Under the aegis of Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage)

Background

Every year on 18 April, the International Day for Monuments and Sites is celebrated. The event was initiated by ICOMOS in 1972 and ratified at the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983. This special day offers an opportunity to local communities and individuals to consider the importance of cultural heritage to their lives, identities and communities, and to promote awareness of its diversity and vulnerability and the efforts required to protect and conserve it.

Every year, ICOMOS sets a theme for initiatives organized by its members, national and international committees, and anyone else interested in commemorating this day. In keeping with the spirit of open, innovative, constructive intergenerational dialogue, and the strategic focus of ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan 2021-2024, as well as the 2020 ICOMOS resolution on Approaches to Cultural Heritage, the IDMS 2023 features the following theme: Heritage Changes.

The theme of HERITAGE CHANGES provides a timely opportunity to showcase strategies demonstrating the full potential of heritage research and practices which deliver climate-resilient pathways, while advocating for inclusive transitions to low-carbon futures. It also offers the opportunity to respond to questions regarding learning about traditional ways of knowing and knowledge systems in relation to climate action, and how to use a cultural heritage focus to support equitable protection of vulnerable communities through climate action, while responding to the UN Decade of Action.

With the view to discover, educate, sensitise and promote our Mauritian Cultural Heritage, this year the National Heritage Fund and Mauritius Film Development Corporation are proud to announce the launching of a short film competition on the theme “Anou ensam protez nou patrimoine” and you are what we are looking for.

Time is short, so be spontaneous! Take your camera and express your creativity on the above theme. Make your voices heard: why our Cultural Heritage significant to us? Why our Cultural Heritage is at risk? Why is it important to preserve and share it with others?

Overview of the Project

Cultural heritage has always been at risk by not only human interventions such as vandalism, theft…etc but also by climate change and natural disasters. In order to sensitise the public on the importance of preserving Mauritius’s finest cultural legacies, the National Heritage Fund in collaboration with the Mauritius Film Development Corporation is launching the Heritage Short Film Competition. The aim of the competition is to spread awareness and educate public about the importance of preserving our heritage. The short film competition is not just an EVENT… but a CAUSE with the aim to PROTECT & PROMOTE the Rich Heritage of Mauritius…!

Objectives or Goals

• To discover, educate and promote Mauritius’s heritage through films;
• To incite interest of Mauritians, especially the younger generation in heritage preservation and instill a sense of belongingness and civic pride;
• To sensitize the public on safeguarding our heritage through the best films which will be broadcasted on the national television and through other media.

Target Group

This competition is opened to all Mauritians.

Competition Guidelines

Duration: 13 minutes

Theme: “Anou ensam protez nu patrimoine”

Category: Docu-Fiction

Format: Broadcast Quality such as HD, MP4 amongst others

Jury Award: All films will be judged by an independent jury panel and their decision would be final. They will choose the best films based on the following criteria:

• Relevance (heritage factor, originality)
• research
• technical competency
• timeline
• budgeting
• engagement with social media, raising awareness

Language: All speaking languages in Mauritius

Calendar

Procedure for submission of films

• Film must be submitted in a sealed envelope on 05^th May 2023 before 18.00 pm at the following address:

Mauritius Film Development Corporation

The General Manager

Government Quarters, Hugh Otter Barry,

Floreal,

Mauritius

• Each envelope must contain:

– A copy of the entry form;

– One copy of the clip on a DVD or pen drive; and

– Information sheet including synopsis, movie details such as title, duration,
  participant, cast and credits.

Rules and Eligibility

• This competition is opened to all inhabitants of Mauritius
• All genres will be accepted
• Content must be focus and related to the theme mentioned above
• The MFDC/NHF are strongly opposed to shooting contents which are considered illegal: (a). of a pornographic character- (b). incitation to racial animosity-

(c). Contemptuous to any of the religious creeds established in the country. 

Partners

• The Mauritius Film Development Corporation
• The National Heritage Fund

Prizes

Jury Award

1st Prize: Cash prize of Rs 50,000 + Trophy

2nd Prize: Cash prize of Rs 30,000 + Shield

3rd Prize: Cash prize of Rs 25,000 + Shield

Award Night

• Trophies and cash prize will be awarded to the best films and different categories during an award night. (Date to be decided afterwards)

Additional information

For any further information, please contact the Project and Program Department at the Mauritius Film Development Corporation on:

Tel: (230) 696 3137 & 698 6013

Fax: (230) 698 5093 & 697 9688

Email address:    mauritiusfilm@intnet.mu