Update on Dec. 2, 2020: Oolite Arts announced that the film “The Stripper,” produced by Katja Esson, won the competition.
Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to health experts.
Five local artists are trying to remind Miami residents to mask up — by making one-minute films.
In these uncertain times, you can rely on WLRN to keep you current on local news and information. Your support is what keeps WLRN strong. Please become a member today. Donate now. Thank you.
Oolite Arts, a visual arts nonprofit, organized the competition, “Masks Up, Miami” to find local artists who would produce short public service announcements about mask-wearing.
“It was kind of a virtuous circle,” said Dennis Scholl, the president and CEO of Oolite Arts. “Let's pick some filmmakers that we think could make a great film. Let's fund them to make a short and let's hope that those shorts tell the community about 'masks up' and how to prevent COVID-19.”
Scholl said the nonprofit wanted to provide filmmakers with an opportunity to create during the pandemic, and to help them financially. The five selected artists won $2,500 to produce the films.
The winning films tap into Miami culture, featuring flamingoes, beaches, a Cuban family and more.
You can now vote for your favorite until Nov. 24. The winner will receive a People’s Choice Award and a cash prize.
Watch the videos and vote here.
——
The is story is part of “Intermission,” WLRN’s series covering how the South Florida arts community is coping during the pandemic.
If you’ve got a story for us, please send an email to talktous@wlrnnews.org, with the word “Intermission” in the subject line.
