We are honoured to announce the IX edition of the Medfilm Festival - workshop, a unique International Festival of Cinema with a Competition feature dedicated to human rights. The edition for 2003 is dedicated to the theme "Intercultural Dialogue for Peace and Cooperation in Euro Mediterranean areas" and is produced, with the sponsorship of the United Nations and the European Parliament. It takes place from the 15-30th of November in Rome and surroundings and in Pisa, Padova, Palermo, Cairo and Ramallah. 30 halls with more than 200 films, documentaries and short films and includes workshops, meetings and multimedia activities.

The Medfilm Festival Onlus, in respect for the dignity of people with ethnic and cultural differences, conveys firm activities aimed at supplying and making the exchange of ideas, information and awareness more fluid, in the knowledge that culture and art can develop above all, in the young, a new social conscience regarding urgent problems, present everywhere and without distinction between rich and poor countries.

The objectives of Medfilm are: the protection of human rights and intercultural dialogue; the education and training of young people in the social-cultural environment; the fight against racism and xenophobia; the protection and development of ethnic minorities; the promotion and diffusion of European and Mediterranean cultures

Within the environment of the Medfilm Festival-workshop2003, a competition was declared called "Melting Spot" in collaboration with Unicef, Unhcr, Anci (The Italian National Association of Municipalities) and the Social Action Department of Rai, a competition which will promote the realisation of advertisements with social features.
This new initiative wants to stimulate reflection on current social themes such as the increase in migrants and the problems deriving from this, promoting a culture of peace and cohabitation among Euro-Mediterranean populations.

The Notice of Competitions, dedicated to the theme "The cultural integration of peace in the Euro-Mediterranean area" is open to students attending both public or private Cinema and Television Schools and Universities in the Euro Mediterranean area. The advertisements must have the sensitisation of public opinion on the importance of spreading a Culture of Peace and Cooperation as its objective, and on the necessity to find forms of firm dialogue, capable of communicating diversity, intended as a value.

The Prize wants to be the recognition of the creative preparation and potential of the young people, as well as a stimulus to broaden and refine their knowledge and capacities.

Entry to the competition is free. The advertisements, of duration 15, 30 or 60", must arrive on digital support or Vhs by, and not after, the 30th of September 2003, to the following address:
"Melting spot" Prize
Medfilm Festival Onlus,
P.zza Dalmazia, 25
00198 Rome
Italy

Among all the works received, the Commission, at their discretion, will select 10 entries which will be presented at the MedfilmFestivalworkshop2003, and three winners will be chosen from the 10 finalists.
First prize is awarded 1000 E and the recognition of the Social Action Department of Rai; while all three advertisements will be shown on the network that manages MedFilmFestival Onlus.

Unpublished works can also participate in this first edition of the Prize.

For further information: Via della Alpi 30 - 00198 Rome. E-mail: medfilmfestival@tin.it, www.medfilmfestival.com. Tel 39 06 85354814, Fax 39 06 8844719.