Press Releases
Video Project Launched in Latvia to Promote Dialogue on Democracy
Riga, September 16, 2008 – The U.S. Department of State announced the launch of a worldwide competition aimed at enhancing the global dialogue on democracy.
The launch took place on the United Nations’ first International Day of Democracy, September 15, 2008 in New York. The Democracy Video Challenge asks budding filmmakers, democracy advocates, and the general public to create video shorts that complete the phrase, “Democracy is…” The U.s Embassy in Riga is one of 70 Embassies worldwide participating in the challenge. The winners will be selected by the online voting public.
Six regional winners will be eligible to claim an all-expense paid trip to the United States that includes screenings of their videos in New York, Hollywood and Washington, meetings with film directors, public officials and democracy advocates from nongovernmental organizations, and time on film and TV sets. Contestants who wish to compete anonymously may also submit videos. One anonymous video will be selected as a winner; however, that contestant will not be eligible to claim the travel prize.
For additional details, and rules visit www.youtube.com/democracychallenge or www.videochallenge.america.gov.
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist’s e-mail: dilanes@state.gov; kreilek@state.gov