NYers Challenged To Get To Know Neighbors, And Make Films Doing It

Source: Greg McMullin/Flickr

On My Block Films (OMBF) is inviting New Yorkers to use their filmmaking talents while getting to know their neighbors better.

New Yorkers from all boroughs are invited to participate in the inaugural Neighborhood Filmmaking Challenge, which aims to promote stronger communities through the process of filmmaking.

Participants must shoot a one- to five-minute narrative or documentary film that takes place on their street, either inside or outside. The entire cast and crew must be made up of real neighbors.

From August through October 31, films can be uploaded to the OMB website and the public will be able to vote on a film by liking it on Vimeo. The 30 films with the most Vimeo likes will proceed to be judged by an official panel during the first week of November. Awards will be presented to the Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary Film, and Best In Show.

OMBF was created earlier this year to bring New Yorkers closer together and showcase the diversity and unique identities of people in the city. The organization is hoping to put together a number of films about each borough and in the process bring together neighbors who might otherwise be strangers.

To sign up for the challenge or for additional information, please contact Mary Crosse at mary@onmyblockfilms.com or visit onmyblockfilms.com.

And remember, if you make a film, let us know so we can encourage fellow readers to vote for you!