Welcome to the World Movie Awards (WMAs)
Promoting Cultural Diversity and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Cinema.
In support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the World Movie Awards Organization and its subsidiaries will confer awards on motion pictures that incorporate and promote the safeguarding of ICH elements listed on the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
Countries not currently represented on UNESCO’s ICH lists are still encouraged to submit films that promote and preserve their own cultural artifacts for consideration.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
The word intangible refers to something that cannot be touched—something immaterial. Culture encompasses the traditional values and beliefs that shape identity, while heritage is the legacy passed from one generation to the next.
In essence, Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to the living traditions, values, expressions, knowledge, and customs that are handed down through generations and form the cultural identity of communities.
Why is Intangible Cultural Heritage important?
Intangible Cultural Heritage plays a vital role in:
Promoting tolerance, peace, and reconciliation
Fostering a sense of belonging and individual and community well-being
Supporting human rights and sustainable development
What happens when we pay attention to the Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Humanity’s heritage is richer and more diverse.
Minorities and smaller communities become healthier and more resilient.
We support initiatives that offer economic opportunities for craftspeople and local communities.
We enhance our understanding of one another, both within and across communities.
We connect with the elements of our shared histories and natural environments, helping us better understand who we are.
So how can we safeguard the Intangible Cultural Heritage?
For us, the first step in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is raising awareness through
global cinema: making sure people understand what it is and why it deserves protection.