The prestigious Commonwealth Vision Awards, jointly organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, encourages the making of short films on Commonwealth and international issues.

Broadcasters and independent filmmakers from across the five regions of the Commonwealth are invited to submit initial entries by providing a written scenario for a short film, between 30-90 seconds in length. In 2007, this will be:

'Changing communities, greening the globe'.

Thereafter, up to fifteen applicants will be short-listed by an independent selection panel and awarded ...£1,000 each to assist in the production of the finished film.

Judging of the short-listed films will take place in November and the awards announced and presented at a Gala Awards Ceremony in December. The winner will receive ...£2,500 and a trophy, and other awards will be made. The winning entries will, from January 2008, be broadcast Commonwealth-wide, particularly on and around Commonwealth Day (10 March 2008).

The 53 member nations of the Commonwealth stretch from the Pacific to Sub-Saharan Africa and none are immune from the effects of climate change and global warming. Urgent action is needed internationally, including by the Commonwealth, but there is much individuals can do, in their communities, to influence governments and drive change.

The Commonwealth Vision Awards is an opportunity for film-makers to raise awareness of this crucial global issue and highlight the importance of individual action at the community level.

An application form and brochure may be received by sending an email to  or by fax +44 (0) 20 7930 9705 or by writing to: Ms Alice Kawoya, Project Manager, The Commonwealth Vision Awards, c/o The Royal Commonwealth Society, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP, United Kingdom.

The closing date for applications is: Friday 3 August 2007

The initiative is supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Foundation, the British Council, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the BBC World Service. Commonwealth Secretariat,17/07/07.