This article originally appeared in Reel Chicago.

The Illinois Humanities Council is seeking entries for its second annual “Looking for Democracy: How to Make It, How to Sustain It” short film/video contest.

The grand prize winner receives a private consultation with Kartemquin’s Gordon Quinn, a selection of Karteqmuin’s award-winning films and their film shown at IHC’s upcoming “Civic Cinema” event.

The challenge is to creatively answer, “Where do you see democracy in your life?”

Making and sustaining democracy might include green movements, human rights, animal rights, the economy, media issues, grass roots activism, for example.

Deadline is Jan. 8 for shorts five-minute or less, submitted on DVD, in any genre, from doc to narrative, experimental, remix, music video and PSA.

“We have more partners this year and we want to build on last year’s success,” said Maggie Berndt, IHC Humanities communications manager.

Select winning entries will be posted to Independent Lens’ “Vote Democracy” website, as part of “The Public Square’s Civic Cinema” series, among other valuable prizes.

The program is made possible in part by the Woods Fund of Chicago. Media sponsor is Chicago Public Radio, WBEZ.