MANILA, Jan. 24 -- The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute has extended the deadline of submission of entries to the 4th annual Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition to January 27, Monday.

Young individuals and S&T professionals (researchers and science communicators) are expected to produce documentary films which are based on scientific facts, under ten (10) minutes, and relevant to the theme "Communities Beyond the Naked Eye."

The science films should focus on the life and impact of microorganisms, insects and other creatures or systems smaller than what we see using the naked eye, and/or highlight the relationships of these types of communities on different levels.

Indie-Siyensya, which seeks to promote science culture to the youth and the general public using film as a medium, is also the agency's response to the growing field of science communication in the country.

"This competition aims to use filmmaking in communicating to the public scientific concepts as well as in highlighting the critical role of S&T in national development to the public and to entice the youth to become part of the growing S&T workforce of the country," DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said.

Dr. Biyo also encouraged all qualified individuals and groups, during its launch at the Regional Science and Technology Week in Iloilo last October, to join Indie-Siyensya and to continue using film to develop understanding on the role of science in solving many of the country's problems.

There are two main categories for interested Filipino applicants who may join as individuals or in groups: the "Youth Category" for high school, tertiary school and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, and the "Open category" for college students, teachers, amateur filmmakers, science professionals, and others.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Scientific Content, Execution of Idea and Film Techniques. Winners for each category will receive trophies and cash prizes worth 100,000 pesos for the Best Film, 50,000 pesos for the second prize, and 30,000 pesos for the third prize.

One entry will also win the Viewers' Choice award, which will be given to the entry with the highest number of votes during the film screening period at various DOST events, amounting to 20,000 pesos.

For more information, contact Ms. Candy Ilaw at 88371925 or 88372071 local 2384 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ indiesiyensya. (DOST-SEI)