First announced at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, the FOCUS FORWARD Filmmaker Challenge is an unprecedented opportunity to win big money and get global exposure.

The Challenge is awarding $200,000 to filmmakers who tell stories about inventions and innovations that bring changes for the better. Five winners will receive cash, with a whopping $100,000 going to the Grand Prize Winner. In addition, up to 100 finalists will be highlighted alongside works by Jessica Yu, Lucy Walker, Victor Kossakovsky and other celebrated filmmakers. The award winners will be announced at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013.

The rules of the Challenge are simple. Make a 3-minute film about a person or an organization that has made a positive contribution through innovation in fields like science, medicine, engineering, design, arts, and culture. Submissions close August 23.

FOCUS FORWARD is a series of 30 three-minute non-fiction films by some of the most accomplished and acclaimed filmmakers focusing on people who are determined to, or have succeeded in, making the world a better place. The films are premiering at major film festivals around the globe throughout 2012. The project is about the power of good ideas, which is something we can all get behind. Whether you’re a veteran filmmaker or a newbie, if you have an idea for a short film about innovators, then it’s time to get to work. [Click here to learn more.]