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Springs are the lifelines for millions of mountain people, providing drinking water, irrigation, and sustaining ecosystems. However, future scenarios predict alarming water stress and scarcity due to rising temperatures, and we are already losing these crucial freshwater sources. Without water, life in the mountains becomes unviable. We want to raise awareness about this slow-onset disaster and use visual storytelling to mobilize audiences to revive drying springs and prevent further losses.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) invites filmmakers to submit short documentary films that explore: the cultural and spiritual significance of springs, wells, and ponds in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH); the loss of water sources; and or community-led restoration.
Through these films, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action to reverse the loss of springs, to celebrate individuals and communities that are tackling this growing crisis, and to document mountain communities’ traditional knowledge, beliefs, and practices around their water sources, showcasing ancient rituals and beliefs that underscore the deep reverence for these vanishing resources.
2,000
GRANT AMOUNT (US$)
30 Nov
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
5 Dec
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT
• Filmmakers can submit their pitch in the provided link in this page. • The pitch should include a 500-word synopsis of the film, a director’s statement, a storyboard, a filmmaker’s CV, and evidence of past work (e.g., links to online showreels or downloadable files). • Selected filmmakers will be notified and provided with further guidance and support.
• Deadline for submissions: 30 Nov 2024 – 11.59pm NPT • Shortlisted films announced: Thursday 5th December 2024 on ICIMOD day. • Completion of films: 31 December 2024
• ICIMOD will promote the films through events, our website, and social media channels • Filmmakers will be encouraged to submit their films to relevant film festivals and media outlets. Micro Grant and grant disbursement • Selected filmmakers will secure USD2,000 to cover production costs. • The grant amount will be provided after the delivery of raw footages and the final video product (ICIMOD will not provide any advance).
• ICIMOD is fully committed to Open Access publishing and to making its publications fully accessible as an international public good at no cost. • Grantee shall grant to ICIMOD the Usage Rights to use, publish, and/or produce work products developed under the grant in any and all media. • Grantee will provide to ICIMOD high quality digital files of all work produced (photographic, audio, and raw video) under the grant. • If the film is co-produced with another organisation or media house, Grantee will coordinate with media outlets to ensure ICIMOD has rights to broadcast the film through its networks. • The Grantee warrants that it shall not knowingly provide ICIMOD with any material that would infringe any intellectual property rights of a third party. • ICIMOD agrees to pay the Grantee the grant fee and confirms that, subject to the grant of Usage Rights, the copyright shall remain with the Grantee. • It is the Grantee’s responsibility to ensure all consent forms and music rights are provided
All submissions and production must adhere to ICIMOD’s core values, particularly inclusiveness and neutrality, and preference will be given to generative storytelling, and diverse production teams. Communities should be central to the narrative, with their experiences and perspectives at the fore, including those of women
