MANAA, the Media Action Network for Asian Americans, is offering a $1000 scholarship for currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers as filmmakers and in television production (but not broadcast journalism -- I guess we have enough of you out there).

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their academic and personal merit, desire to uplift the image of Asian Americans in film and television as demonstrated in their essay, potential as demonstrated in their work sample, and financial need. Here are some guidelines:

STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

1. A copy of all official transcripts.
2. Two letters of recommendation, one that evaluates academic and artistic aptitude and another that speaks to the student’s interest and involvement in the community.
3. A double-spaced essay consisting of no more than 1,000 words addressing the following items: Describe your involvement in the Asian/Pacific Islander Community. How does this involvement influence your creative work? How do you see how your creative work will influence the API community or how it is perceived in the next five to ten years?
4. A work sample consisting of a short film or screenplay. Materials will not be returned.
5. A statement of special financial need or hardship.
6. A resume of both your work history and your community involvement.

The deadline for submission is Friday, October 30, 2009. Send all completed applications to MANAA Scholarship, P.O. Box 11105, Burbank, CA 91510. Please do not send applications via certified or registered mail.

They're looking to award students who have a strong desire to advance a positive and enlightened understanding of the Asian American experience in the mainstream media. Hey, it has to start somewhere, right? So get those applications in! For more information, visit the MANAA website here.