“Protect Our Wetlands, Protect Ourselves’ Video Competition Enters Its Third YearSubmit Videos to Raise Awareness of Environmental Issues and Compete for PrizesThe Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) and the Charitable Film Network (CFN) are announcing the Third Annual “Protect Our Wetlands, Protect Ourselves” video competition. The popular environmental video competition is seeking entries from the public to help tell the stories of the Gulf’s environmental issues, and winners will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes.”With the eyes of the world focused on Louisiana’s coastal wetlands it’s critical that local voices and local filmmakers interpret this wetlands crisis and oil drilling disaster that threatens the Gulf of Mexico,” said Aaron Viles, GRN Campaign Director. “What better way to create awareness than to make a short film that highlights important Gulf Coast environmental issues?”There are two submission categories ” one for middle and high school students and one for anyone who is interested in helping to save the Gulf Coast. Each category has a first-place prize that includes two (2) VIP Passes to the Voodoo Experience 2010, environmentally friendly products from Whole Foods Market and other prizes. The winning videos will be screened during the Voodoo Experience in October of 2010!”The oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico has heightened public awareness about the national importance of protecting Louisiana’s wetlands,” said Jerald L. White, Charitable Film Network Director, and video competition co-founder. “We’re expecting a significant increase in the number of video entries for this year’s competition from Louisiana, and beyond.”Video submissions must be about one of the following environmental issues: Wetlands Protection and Restoration, Coastal Forest Conservation, Clean and Healthy Water, The Dead Zone, Sustainable Fisheries, or Global Warming and how it affects the coastal region. Each video should be no longer than seven (7) minutes, and it should aim to inform viewers about an important environmental issue while entertaining viewers. There is no entry fee or maximum number of entries per contestant. All submissions are due by August 6, 2010.The video competition’s sponsors include the New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Environmental Affairs, Whole Foods Market, and the 2010 VooDoo Experience.For more information about submission guidelines, and to obtain a copy of the entry form please visit the Charitable Film Network at www.charitablefilmnetwork.org or the Gulf Restoration Network online at www.healthygulf.org.GRN is a diverse network of local, regional and national groups and individuals committed to uniting and empowering people to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf Region for future generations. The GRN strives to provide our members and the general public with the information, technical assistance and strategic collaboration necessary for a healthy Gulf.CFN is a diverse community of media-makers, dedicated to connecting and collaborating with local nonprofits, activists, and artists on noteworthy campaigns that contribute to the community-at-large.