Broadcaster Saskia Constantinou is celebrating her 20-year career at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation with the launch of the Apollon International Photo Competition for Teenagers.
“I’ve always loved travelling and photography and thought this would be the ideal way to celebrate this journey in broadcasting. In my programme “SaskiaUnreserved” for “RIKClassic,” I have covered many social, environmental, educational and philosophical issues. Most, if not all of my guests continually stress the importance of our youth and education as the only way forward. Teenagers are of course our future leaders – they see things in a different way and we have a lot to learn from them. Hence, the concept of a Photo Competition for them, and because I’ve always had a rather global approach to things, made it open internationally. ”
The competition is open to all teenagers, from 13 to 19 years old and is themed “Embracing Diversity.”
As Saskia explains, “In this very troubled world, we need to try and see things from a more positive perspective. Our youth I believe, are confident and less jaded in their outlook. The theme is intentionally very broad for this first competition, in order to give as many as possible the opportunity to participate. The other aspect I’ve taken into consideration is not to restrict it to cameras, but to include mobile technology.”
Wary of competitions, especially in the arts and culture sector, Saskia has been careful to devise a judging system which she believes will be completely fair. Judges hail from around the world including Holland, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Greece and Cyprus. None of the contestants are identified to the judges, and the winning photos are taken from an aggregate of the judges’ marks. “It’s a big honour that all the judges readily agreed and were excited at the prospect of engaging our youth as were sponsors Aristo Developers. I’m very grateful to them all.”
An important aspect of a photographic competition is the opportunity to display and exhibit the work. This will take place in March 2020 year at the Makarios Technical School where the Awards and Cash Prizes will be given. “I would like to encourage all teenagers to participate and be part of the change we want to see in the world.”
