DOC MAKERS + CREATORS + CHANGEMAKERS

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — The Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) opens for submissions for its 10th annual awards (#SIMA2022), calling on impact filmmakers, production companies and creative activists to submit their work that stands out in its creativity, integrity, and merit to inspire social change.

“Artists are the radical voice of civilization.” – Paul Robeson

No such statement has been more profoundly connected to the state of our contemporary world and the space in which the annual Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) occupies in the tapestry of film festivals worldwide. 

Since 2012, SIMA’s work at the intersection of film and activism has brought an international spotlight to some of the world’s most pressing social issues; including those often overlooked and/or underserved by other exhibition platforms. With an ever-growing roster of over 2,500 social impact and social justice storytellers, SIMA presents the world’s gold standard of eye-opening impact cinema.

Throughout the tenure of SIMA’s international awards, 273 films have been short-listed; 155 awarded (representing 147 countries and 104 languages); and over 200 films have been distributed and screened across six continents. Furthermore, SIMA stands out in its diversity with over 53% of their submitted filmmakers identifying as female (+1.1% non binary), another impressive statistic amidst an industry predominantly occupied (~75%) by male-identified documentary storytellers and producers.

“Since our inception, we have aimed at setting new industry standards that raise the bar of quality, integrity and diversity. When I created SIMA 10 years ago I had one goal: to celebrate and distribute the kind of social impact filmmaking that amplifies the stories of marginalized communities, that challenges oppressive mindsets and inspires audiences to take a critical eye and stance to systems of injustice. Today, we aren’t just living in unprecedented times, we’re witnessing a new earth. A transformation that is both deeply profound and gut-wrenching; a moment in time that will play muse from future poets to politicians. We have witnessed firsthand the influence of storytelling to inspire social change and we have seen change ripple across communities through the very simple act of consuming a story and being left with an idea and prospect to be proactive in transforming the status quo. Filmmakers, activists, artists and community leaders, we implore you to continue your mission as the “radical voice of our civilization”. We can’t wait to see and support your work.”

— Daniela Kon Lieberberg, Founder & CEO

SIMA is seeking Feature and Short Documentaries, Impact Videos, and Production Companies whose body of work demonstrates outstanding achievements in creating impact through diverse formats of visual storytelling. Additionally, this year SIMA has evolved its VR/360 category into Extended Reality (XR) / Interactive, and is calling on trailblazers in this field to submit a wide range of immersive media projects that advance creative storytelling for social good. Such projects include VR / AR / MR / 360, Reporting / Journalism, Installations, Apps/ Websites, Creative Advocacy and Campaigns.

Submissions will compete for awards, cash prizes, and media features. Selected productions will be invited into SIMA’s sought after year-round distribution programs that bring stories to audiences, communities and classrooms in over 50 countries.

 

Learn more and submit at https://simaawards.org/submit/ no later than October 7, 2021.

 

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Feature Documentaries, Short Documentaries, Extended Reality (XR)/ Interactive, Impact Videos: Innovations and Creative Advocacy and Production Companies.

 

DEADLINES / KEY DATES

OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS September 7, 2021

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE September 16, 2021

REGULAR DEADLINE September 30, 2021

LATE / FINAL DEADLINE October 7, 2021

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED January 11, 2022

WINNERS ANNOUNCED February 10, 2022

SIMA’s Sponsors are committed to the collaborative effort of honoring the most thought-provoking documentary films of our time. The 10th Annual SIMA Awards are powered by Blackmagic Design, Human Sustainability Project, The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), WITNESS and Double Exposure.