Democracy Video Challenge partners comment on contest winners. (Archive)
"Our winners have taken up their cameras to jumpstart a global conversation about the meaning of democracy. Their unique voices, revealed through the art of video, bypass borders and speak to us all about the freedoms that truly matter," said Michael Apted, president of the Directors Guild of America. "I heartily congratulate the winners and encourage them, along with all of the contestants, to keep expressing themselves through the creative arts."- Michael Apted, Jury Co-chair, and President, Directors Guild of America
“From more than 900 videos submitted from 95 countries, your work has emerged triumphant, a remarkable achievement for which I congratulate you. The wide appeal of your truly unique take on "democracy" across national, ethnic and religious boundaries confirms one of democracy‟s greatest advantages: the opportunity for ordinary people to express their personal opinions freely and creatively and win over millions of strangers to their side. You have proved your talent for influencing people. Your next challenge is to find ways to use it for helping your fellow citizens and the rest of the world, all of us dependent on young, innovative supporters of the democratic way”. - Hernando de Soto, Jury Co-chair, and President, Institute for Liberty & Democracy
“At the Center for International Private Enterprise, we place the very highest importance on authentic, local contributions to building democracy. You – the winners of the Democracy Video Challenge – have articulated your view of democracy in a way that has resonated with others around the world. By voicing your view of what democracy is; you have inspired others far beyond your local communities to think and dream of how we all can build this vision. Congratulations! “- John D. Sullivan, Executive Director, Center for International Private Enterprise
“I want to congratulate the winners of this year's Democracy Video Challenge, and all who shared their ideas on what democracy is by entering the contest. The videos gave us all a unique look at the hopes, dreams, challenges and realities that people struggling to build democratic countries face.” - Lorne W. Craner, President of the International Republican Institute
“The International Youth Foundation strongly believes that young people are today's leaders, not just tomorrow's. Every day, they are working to create positive change in their communities – helping to address some of the most critical challenges of our time. Vibrant democracies need the full engagement of ALL their citizens, young and old. So we salute each “Democracy Video Challenge” winner for enriching this important dialogue around global citizenship and for demonstrating once again the unique power of youth to transform our world.”William S. Reese, CEO and President, International Youth Foundation
“On behalf of the Motion Picture Association of America, I would like to congratulate the creators of the six winning Democracy Video Challenge submissions. Each of the winning videos stands out as unique and compelling statement about what democracy means and demonstrates the impact that youth artists have in today's world. The winning filmmakers, and all those who participated in the competition, have spurred a crucial global dialogue about democracy and its importance. Through their creative efforts, they have highlighted the important role filmmaking plays in the global exchange of ideas.” - Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO, MOtion Picture Association of America
"The Democracy Video Challenge exceeded expectations in its first year, attracting compelling video submissions and viewers from all over the world. NBC Universal is proud to be a partner in this important contribution to the global dialogue. " - Paula Madison, Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, NBC Universal
“The video submissions we were asked to view and judge were both thoughtful and thought provoking. With entries from India to Iran and Uganda to Uzbekistan, the finalists tackled the difficult task of defining what „Democracy is…' with creativity, ingenuity and inspiration. The winners should be congratulated for rising to the top of a competitive field and advancing this important video discussion on democracy.” - Shari Bryan, Vice President, National Democratic Institute
“We congratulate the winners of the Democracy Video Challenge as well as salute all those who participated in this exciting initiative. The winning videos best demonstrated the contest's requirements for a well executed short film with a unique and original perspective on the meaning of democracy. And while the winners were all different, they all had one thing in common; they best exemplified democracy's ability to unleash in the individual his or her own creativity and desire to express oneself.” - Dean Mary Schmidt Campbell, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
“Acting as a High Juror for the Democracy Video Challenge has been a rewarding experience because it has helped to unleash so many diverse and creative expressions on what democracy means for people from diverse contexts. I would like to congratulate all the participants and winners of this year's contest; your creative and thought provoking videos have ignited a renewed dialogue about democracy among youth worldwide!” - Jennifer Corriero, TakingITGlobal's Executive Director
“Congratulations to winners of the inaugural Democracy Video Challenge, selected by the online voting public. I also want to thank the more than 900 people from 95 countries for sharing their unique perspective on democracy. The State Department and our partners created the Democracy Video Challenge as an experiment to generate a global conversation. In doing so, we learned from and heard a global array of impassioned and personalized voices and saw differing visions about the meaning of democracy. We were impressed by the thoughtfulness and quality of responses to the contest, and we will support and continue to engage in support of the ongoing dialogue among people from around the world on this important topic.” - Judith McHale, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
“It has been truly remarkable to experience how people from throughout the world have expressed their personal and often emotional views on one of our most important and elusive dreams—democracy.” - Elizabeth M. Daley, Professor and Dean, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Steven J. Ross/Time Warner
