By Dhel Nazario The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will be extending the deadline for the submission of film entries to its science filmmaking competition, Indie-Siyensiya. The contest, organized by the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), is open to all Filipinos who may join as individuals or in groups. The submission is extended to Feb. 25. There are two categories: the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school, and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, and the “Open category” for college students, teachers, and science and technology (S&T) professionals. Entries must be short documentaries with a running time of under 10 minutes. The films must be relevant to the theme “Communities Beyond the Naked Eye” and should focus on the life and impact of insects, microorganisms, and other tiny living and non-living things. Indie-Siyensya continues to promote science culture to the youth and the general public using film as a medium. According to DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo, it is the agency’s response to the growing demand for excellent science communicators 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,” Biyo said. Entries will be judged based on scientific content, execution of idea, and film techniques. Winners for each category will receive trophies and cash prizes worth P100,000 for the best film, P50,000 for second prize, and P30,000 for third prize. One entry will win the Viewers’ Choice award, which comes with a P20,000 cash prize. It will be given to the entry that garners the highest number of votes during the film screening period at various DOST events.