Jul 15–Dec 12, 2009

Bodybits 2009

Analog bodies in the Digital Era

Contest

Bodybits is an online call for proposals by the ZDF’s Kleines Fernsehspiel in cooperation with the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. We are looking for proposals for documentary films that deal with the changing image and concept of the body in our digital world.

The tensions between the analog and digital worlds are constantly growing. Our way of thinking, of feeling, of dealing with one another is changing. Art, medicine, business, science, communication and daily life – all aspects of life are being influenced by digital technology. This can sometimes be extremely exciting, sometimes banal, hilariously funny or just sad.

Young directors, students, graduates of film schools and autodidacts were given two months to submit a three minute video project on the subject: "Analog Bodies in the Digital Era". Over 120 filmmakers competed to become one of the five young directors to have their film produced by the ZDF’s Das kleine Fernsehspiel.

By December 12th, 5 films will be selected that deal with the changing image and concept of the body in our digital world. As the films for “Bodybits” get underway, each phase of the production will be documented and available for viewing online.

We are giving talented young artists, with support from our editorial team, the chance to realize a fully-funded 45 to maximum 60-minute film.

Furthermore, every selected project will receive the support of a mentor who is an expert in the field and will personally accompany the project. These mentors will be chosen in cooperation with Haus der Kulturen der Welt.

As they evolve, the projects will be documented online with blogs, photo series, video messages, production diaries etc. by the film-makers, mentors and editors.

The public will have a chance to evaluate the projects up to October 15th. Of the 25 projects that will go through to the next round, five projects will be selected by means of online voting, the other twenty by our editorial staff. The 25 applicants in the final round will face more detailed questions which will be posted on the internet by our editors and to which they may respond with a video no longer than three minutes.

The award ceremony took place at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt on 12 December 2009.

Bodybits is an online call for proposals by the ZDF’s Kleines Fernsehspiel in cooperation with the Haus der Kulturen der Welt.