The Circuit

Participant Media has picked five filmmakers for their "Outstanding Filmmaker Awards Program" as part of its involvement in Pangea Day, a May 10th festival of short films that promotes understanding and tolerance.  Each filmmaker will receive $5000.  In addition to funding, Participant is also providing judges for Pangea Day.

The org is also sponsoring the "Filmmaker Development Grant Program," where 34 filmmakers will have their films broadcast on May 10th and be eligible to submit a treatment for a feature film or doc.  A winner will get $20,000 and a first look deal with Participant.

"We are deeply grateful to Participant for their generous sponsorship of these programs," said Jehane Noujain, a documentary filmmaker who inspired the creation of Pangea Day after winning the prestigious TED prize.  "One of our primary goals is to foster a new generation of storytellers.  These prizes not only reward these filmmakers but also encourage them to continue making films."

The winners:

Africa
DEAR MANDELA (documentary, pictured above) by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza (South Africa)
In post-Apartheid South Africa, settlers in several informal settlements expose the growing gulf between the wealthy and poor. Watch it here.

Asia/Australia
I REMEMBER LEBANON (documentary) by Zeina Aboul Hosn (Lebanon)
A 20 year old Lebanese girl recounts the favorite memories of her young life in Lebanon after she has crossed safely into Syria; film uses home videos and photos to create a love letter to a changing landscape. Watch it here.

Europe
MY MOTHER'S DAUGHTER (documentary) by Saleyha Ashan (UK)
A London journalist converts to Islam after being held captive by terrorists in Afghanistan; the film examines her relationship with her mother who doesn't understand her daughter's new religion.

North America
MOVING WINDMILLS (documentary) by Ari Kushnir (US)
After dropping out of high school, a Malawi teenager is inspired by a simple drawing to build a windmill using only what he can find in his tiny village.  Eventually he generates enough electricity to power the village, and he becomes a media sensation. He is brought to New York City and then he visits the wind farm in Palm Springs where he stands under the towering windmills.  Watch it here.

South America
PAPIROFLEXIA (animated) by Joaquin Baldwin (Paraguay)
A man living in a bustling city transforms the things around him into a natural world.  Watch it here.