CQT announces the Quantum Shorts 2012 film competition

Competition with New Scientist as media partner seeks short films inspired by quantum physics.

The Centre for Quantum Technologies is pleased to announce the launch of Quantum Shorts 2012 — a competition to produce the best short film inspired by quantum physics. Top entries will be showcased on the popular science news site newscientist.com. Here's the New Scientist announcement.

We are looking for videos no longer than three minutes that are inspired by quantum physics. The competition website sets out the challenge: “Does the idea of a quantum multiverse fill your head with stories? Can you picture a quantum superposition? We don't want you to explain quantum physics to us: instead, show us something of how it makes you think about the world.”

The competition is organised by CQT to raise interest in quantum theory as a description of how the world works and in research on quantum technologies. The competition is open internationally and will be judged by a panel including eminent physicists, film-makers and writers. Among them are physicist and author Lisa Randall, New Scientist Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Webb and CQT’s Director Artur Ekert.

Shortlisted films will be showcased on the website of New Scientist magazine.

New Scientist, the popular science and technology magazine, is a media partner for Quantum Shorts 2012. New Scientist will be advertising the competition as well as hosting the top ten entries on its website.

Entrants have until 1 December 2012 to submit their videos for the chance to see their work on newscientist.com. A winner and runner up selected by the jury will receive cash prizes and a trophy. Shortlisted entries will also be in the running for a people’s prize, awarded after a public vote.

The competition has an additional category and judging panel for entries from students aged 18 or younger in full-time education in Singapore.

Aspiring quantum filmmakers may want to visit the competition website's inspiration pages for ideas and sign up for the Quantum Shorts 2012 newsletter to keep up with the competition.