People of Color: The International Cultural Exchange

Dear Filmmakers, On behalf of People of Color International we are cordially inviting you to participate and screen your film project(s) during our second annual international cultural exchange, where we will be presenting films as well as social networking events from December 2nd through December 5th, 2021. During our first international cultural exchange that premiered April - May 2020, 165 countries participated, submitting over 3000 films. The film component of our international cultural exchange ranked us as the number one film festival in volume of submissions worldwide. We also are within the first handful of film festivals to go virtual amidst the early days of the U.S. national lockdown and social transitioning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this ongoing pandemic, People of Color International takes pride in our dedication to our filmmakers, audience and noble contributors while we continually strive to make a culturally significant impact on humanity internationally. People of Color International’s aim is to promote films worldwide about people who represent the “terms” Black, Brown, Tan and Yellow, as well as marginalized people who stand against pivotal issues such as racism, gender discrimination, inhumane practices and inequality, locally and worldwide. The films that we will be screening should have a progressive perspective on cultures that are often stereotyped or overlooked in mainstream media. Our first international cultural exchange in 2020 was in celebration of City College of New York’s 100th anniversary of founding the oldest continuing documentary film school in the United States. As alumni of CCNY’s Film Department and fellow Filmmakers, we are honored to highlight the best of progressive alternative cinema. We have also collaborated with New York University's (NYU) and Columbia University’s Film Departments (students, faculty and alumni). In addition we have been blessed by major contributions form Yale University's Middle Eastern Studies program as well as Independent Filmmakers from various countries, universities and film schools overseas. By participating in this year's staple event, you are advancing progressive cultural elements throughout the cultural spectrum, that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Directors are invited to attend the event and promote their works through various social media platforms and forums. Please submit your film(s) for review by our distinguished jury panel no later than Nov 10th, 2021. We are committed to connecting cultures through the language of cinema. Films selected for People of Color International's Dec 2nd-5th, 2021 event will also be selected for screenings at select universities and cultural events worldwide. A major goal of People of Color International is to educate people, especially at a student level, with a special focus on those in media, in order for them to have a sincere experience of cultures and advance a progressive perspective. Respectfully, Frank Hooker MFA & Piruz Alemi MFA, PhD Executive Co-Directors of POC International 917-570-6743 frankrhookerjr@gmail.com 929-317-4668 alemi@securitymarkets.org