Reading over the rules for the “Inspired by Israel” Video Contest, sponsored by The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, IsraelVideoNetwork.com, Rogatka and 12Tribe Films Foundation, I am blown away. Why hasn’t anyone every done this before?
Avi Abelow, founder of IsraelVideoNetwork.com and 12Tribe Films Foundation, explains what motivated him to kickoff the contest. “I’ve always wanted to do this. I see so much innovation in the world of internet, social media and the growth of media consumption in all facets of our life. And I see people who are impassioned about Israel. It’s important to me that people actualize their passion about Israel by creating videos, and, then, bring them to IsraelVideoNetwork.com which is the ideal platform for the videos to receive the publicity they deserve. The IVN website is a way to promote videos about Israel all the time, even after the contest. ”
[vimeo 149951278 w=500 h=281]Thus far, Avi confirms, there are over 250 applicants including schools, organizations, professional videographers, individuals and students from countries such as France, Israel, New Zealand and the U.S. Will all of the movies be in English? “I can’t say,” says Avi, “But if contestants want people to vote for their video, and the judges to understand, there should definitely be English subtitles.”
Videos are a compelling way to reach people. Avi discloses that in the time that he’s been in video industry he’s received a tremendous amount of feedback from people worldwide telling him that they are so excited by the videos on the website. It has given them a wellspring of new and exciting information about Israel that they never knew. Others tell him that it has helped them “spread the word” about things that they were aware of, but had been eager for others to hear about as well.
Avi’s intense interest in videos started from a movie he himself produced about a group of teenagers living in a community in Gush Katif in Gaza at the time of the Israeli evacuation of Gaza. “Seeing the powerful impact that the film made on the public was a life-changing moment for me,” acknowledges Avi. It was then that Avi left a successful career in the business sector and made a switch to the movie and social media industry. He hasn’t regretted the move since. The contest, he feels, will give others involved in filmmaking a chance to do the same.
So the word is out. IsraelVideoNetwork.com along with its co-sponsors, The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, Rogatka and 12Tribe Films Foundation, has opened the doors to filmmakers of all backgrounds and qualifications. Professionals, students, organizations, schools, and just about anybody who knows how to make a good video, are welcome to register and become part of this first-time ever competition. As Avi emphasizes, “No matter who wins the $7,500 grand prize, or any other prize for that matter, the biggest winner of all remains Israel and the Israeli people. This is a win-win situation.”
Registration for the contest ends on Jan.15th. The video submission deadline is on Feb. 15th. Registration Link: http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/enter-our-video-contest
For more information contact Avi Abelow in Jerusalem [email protected]
