DUSHANBE, November 23, 2011, Asia-Plus — Powering up the largest city to the smallest village in Asia and the Pacific with clean, sustainable energy is the focus of the latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) ‘My View’ video contest which was launched on 21 November, press release issued by ADB says.
The annual competition gives aspiring filmmakers a chance to produce a short film to illustrate key development challenges facing Asia and the Pacific. This year’s theme is ‘Energy for All’―a crucial issue in a region where 800 million people still lack access to a modern supply of electricity.
“There are nearly two billion people in Asia living on less than $2 a day who need access to clean, green energy to help them escape poverty,” said Ann Quon, Principal Director of ADB’s Department of External Relations. “We encourage everyone who cares about this issue to make a video and share their vision and message.”
The contest also coincides with the United Nations-declared International Year of Sustainable Energy for All in 2012, which aims to highlight the critical role universal access to energy plays in global development and poverty alleviation.
Among this year’s judges are Academy Award-winning US producer Ashley Jordan; Ashvin Kumar, the youngest Indian writer and director to be nominated for an Oscar; Afghan documentary filmmaker and curator of the Kabul International Film Festival Malek Shafi’i; award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of onedotzero, Shane Walter of the UK; Yong Mun Chee of Singapore, winner of the Asian TV award for Best Documentary Series; and Philippines YouTube sensation Moymoypalaboy. ADB’s Principal Director Ann Quon and Pil-Bae Song, Senior Advisor, conc Practice Leader (Energy)-Designate, will also sit on the panel.
A total of $10,000 worth of prizes is available in two categories, with no age restrictions for contestants. Citizens of any of ADB’s 67 member countries are eligible to take part. The competition which features a new blog providing ADB news and information on renewable energy, Q&As with the judges, production tips and other useful content.
ADB has put support for clean, renewable energy at the heart of its long term development blueprint, Strategy 2020, and in 2010 provided nearly $1.8 billion for clean energy investments. In nearly two decades through to 2009, it has provided almost $26 billion for energy projects, giving hundreds of millions of people access to electricity.
