By
DARRYL GANGLOFF
The new Bridging Divides, Healing Communities Youth Film Challenge is giving young local storytellers the opportunity to make their voices heard, and compete for $3,500 in cash prizes and the chance to have their films screened at local theaters.
The contest is open to young people ages 14 to 24 who live or attend school in northwest Litchfield, northeast Dutchess, Columbia and Berkshire counties. Participants will create up to 6-minute films that focus on challenges that divide us and highlight ways to tackle them in families, schools and communities. Possible topics include climate change; the state of our democracy; feeling excluded due to identity, age, religion, immigration or social status; the pressures of social media; or any issues with opposing views but the possibility for reconciliation and healing.