Science filmmaking competition, Indie-Siyensya, is extending the deadline for submission of film entries to Oct. 30.  

The contest, organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), is open to all Filipinos who may join as individuals or in groups. 

There are two categories: the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, and the “Open category” for college students, teachers, amateur filmmakers, and even science professionals. 

Entries must be short documentaries which should have a running time of up to 10 minutes. The films must be relevant to the theme “The Scientist in Me,” which can be a documentation of personal experiments or explainers of scientific phenomena relevant to communities. 

“We want to give more time to our aspiring filmmakers and science communicators to craft their masterpieces. We also realize the challenge presented by the pandemic in doing films, that’s why we extended the deadline,” said DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo. 

Films will be judged based on scientific content, execution of idea, and film techniques.

At stake for each category are trophies and cash prizes worth Php 100,000 for the Best Film, Php 50,000 pesos for the second prize, and Php 30,000 for the third prize. Two entries (one per category) will also win Viewers’ Choice award with a prize of Php 20,000. 

For contest mechanics and other information, interested participants may visit www.sei.dost.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/dostseiindiesiyensya.