In my capacity as the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, I am delighted to announce that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with the Royal Television Society, has launched our first ever Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) film competition.
Today, rape and other forms of sexual violence continue to be used as weapons of war in conflicts around the world. These crimes range from opportunistic acts of brutality, to deliberate torture and systematic campaigns of ethnic cleansing. This film competition is an opportunity for filmmakers to contribute in the fight to end sexual violence in conflict by raising awareness, addressing injustice, and empowering survivors.
Film is a powerful tool to shine a spotlight on sexual violence in conflict and help bring about real change. This is why we held the first PSVI Film Festival, Fighting Stigma Through Film, in 2018, and this is why we are excited to showcase the work of talented filmmakers to a global audience
Participants can enter online at awardsentry.rts.org.uk/entrant, and can be from any country and of any age. The films can be about any theme associated with ending sexual violence in conflict and can be based on fiction or fact. Possible subjects might include strengthening justice for survivors of sexual violence, the stigma faced by survivors and their children, and the root causes of sexual violence.
The winning entries will be invited to attend the PSVI international conference, Time For Justice: Putting Survivors First, in London on 18-20 November, where the winning and commended films will be screened and promoted across the UK's global network of embassies. Terms and conditions apply. The deadline for entries is the 6th September 2019.
