LOS ANGELES (June 14, 2006) — Current TV wants to get a message out about tolerance and appreciation of diversity — and it’s asking viewers to help.
The channel, in partnership with the nonprofit, New York-based Third Millennium Foundation, said Wednesday it is sponsoring a summer video contest, “Seeds of Tolerance,” aimed at promoting understanding and with a $100,000 prize for the top film.
Judges include Paul Haggis, Edward Norton, Melissa Etheridge and Margaret Cho.
“Having personally experienced the sting of being labeled ‘different’, I appreciate Current TV’s effort to teach tolerance — or, more accurately, to encourage their viewers to teach their peers,” Etheridge, who is gay, said in a statement released by the channel.
“I commend Current TV for recognizing that it is our differences that make us stronger and for encouraging young people to embrace the spirit of tolerance,” Haggis said in a statement.
Current TV, which already makes viewer videos a significant part of its programming, said the contest is open to filmmakers 18 and older and of all levels of experience. Films can be up to 10 minutes long and be accompanied by comments on how a project can inspire change.
Other requirements are posted on the Current Web site www.current.tv/tolerance. Films can be submitted to the site and will be accepted through Aug. 15.
The judges will choose five semifinalists, whose work will be shown on Current TV. In September, viewers will choose the grand-prize winner and two finalists who will each receive $10,000.
The top winner will also get $15,000 to give to the charity of his or her choice. The prizes are being funded by the Third Millennium Foundation, founded in 2000 to counter intolerance through childhood education and other programs.
Former Vice President Al Gore is chairman of Current TV, which he co-founded with Joel Hyatt, the chief executive officer.
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