UK Film Council to sponsor RIMA film category

The UK Film Council is sponsoring the film category for the Commission for Racial Equality's Race in the Media Awards (RIMA).
Now in its second year, the film category is hoping to attract entries from the widest possible talent spectrum. Applicants have until the March 17 to submit their work.
Winners of last year's film award were Paul Morrison's ‘Wondrous Oblivion’ (Apt Films) for best film feature; Jonathan Jones's 'Who Killed PC Blakelock' (Films of Record Ltd) for best film documentary and Martin Friend's 'Other' (Screen East) for film shorts. All, in the opinion of independent judges, made a significant contribution to raising our collective understanding of the many communities that now make up the nation.
Trevor Phillips, Chair of the CRE, said: "I'm delighted that the UK Film Council has joined forces with RIMA for this year's event. RIMA's goal is to make integration in our society a reality. The film industry has a leading role to play in helping us achieve this by challenging old stereotypes about race, ethnicity and culture and in some cases increasing understanding to huge audiences about extremely complex issues. The more voices from more diverse backgrounds we have contributing to these debates, the better. Last year, the judges of the film category said that the quality of all the submissions was extremely high - but without these awards, it's questionable whether those entering would ever receive recognition for their work."
Marcia Williams, Head of Diversity at the UK Film Council added: "Film is an immensely popular activity for people and contributes to our enjoyment and understanding of the world and different communities. Supporting the development a more diverse cinema that reflects the UK's population and rich culture is one of the UK Film Council's key priorities and encouraging filmmaking talent with new and different stories to tell is key to achieving that aim. We look to RIMA for film as a celebration of diversity in both the stories that are being told and the portrayal of our culture on film."
The RIMA awards ceremony will be held on June 14 2006 at the Royal Opera House, London.
(GB)