AMSTERDAM, April 10 /PRNewswire/ --

- European Competition for Young Video-Makers Launched

This week sees the start of registration for the StrangerAwards, a
competition for young creative European video-makers. At
http://www.strangerfestival.com young people up to 26 years of age can upload
their best videos. The aim of StrangerFestival is to collect personal video
stories made by young people. Prizes include camcorders and a free trip to
and participation in the StrangerFestival in Amsterdam, 3-5 July this year.
The best videos will be shown by MTV (in the Netherlands) and by other
European broadcasters. More than 20.000 DVDs of the videos will distributed
and a selection will be shown in museums across Europe.

"Are you a young and creative video talent living in Europe? Do you want
to share your take on who you are, the people around you, and things that
matter to you? Then take part in the StrangerAwards." This is the challenge
that project leader Tommi Laitio of the StrangerFestival is putting out to
all young people.

The StrangerFestival and related video website is the primary platform
for young talented video-makers and their fans from all over Europe. Videos
for the StrangerAwards should be no longer than 5 minutes. The closing date
for submissions is 15 May. The Awards will be presented during the
StrangerFestival on 3, 4 and 5 July in Amsterdam.

There are three awards: an audience award, a talent award and the MTV
StrangerAward. The audience award is based on an evaluation of videos
submitted by visitors to the website. The professional StrangerAward 2008
prize will be awarded by an internationally recognized filmmaker. The video
that wins the MTV StrangerAward will be broadcast by MTV (who wish to
stimulate young people in particular to be creative, innovative and
inspiring).

Video is the language of youth. Web 2.0 allows young people themselves to
produce and communicate internationally with each other. StrangerFestival
employs user-generated content as a tool for self-expression.

A unique browser has been developed for the website that allows visitors
to scroll through all videos in an intuitive manner. There is a view of
stills from the videos where you can see at a glance the kinds of subjects
young people all over in Europe are interested in. Furthermore, all videos
have tags - key words - allowing visitors to surf easily from one theme to
another.

StrangerFestival is organizing more than 40 workshops in over than 20
countries for young people who have less easy access to new media.

All details can be found at http://www.strangerfestival.com.

About the StrangerFestival:

The StrangerFestival is a project of the European Cultural Foundation
(ECF) in Amsterdam and is one of the seven flagship projects of the European
Year of Intercultural Dialogue. The StrangerFestival is jointly made possible
by: the European Commission, the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation (FINLAND), the
VandenEnde Foundation (NETHERLANDS), the Bundeszentrale fÃŒr politische
Bildung (GERMANY), the Fritt Ord Foundation (NORWAY) the Evens Foundation
(BELGIUM), the Europafonds of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NETHERLANDS)
and Wij Amsterdammers (NETHERLANDS).

Note for editors:

The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is an independent organisation,
which helps the arts, contribute to a strong, united and diverse Europe built
on shared cultural values. ECF has a special commitment to the new generation
of Europeans. Many of ECF's activities are geared towards bringing out the
creativity in young people of all backgrounds. ECF's commitment is to the
whole of Europe and its neighbouring regions, though naturally we target
those places where we believe support is most needed. We focus on making sure
that the many diverse creative voices of Europe are heard and make an impact.

Download press and promotional materials at strangerfestival.com (press).