Movie on Biking Puts CU Grad in Line to Win International Film Competition

CU grad could win film contest: Ethan Van Duzer's movie shows biking is good for him, environment

By Brittany Anas (Contact)
Sunday, May 27, 2007


Courtesy Ethan Van Duzer

Boulder teen Ethan Van Duzer is seen here in a still from his video, "Give a Hoot," he produced for the international competition www.filmyourissue.com.

The bumper sticker on Ethan Van Duzer's ride says: "Zero gallons per mile."

At age 16, Van Duzer decided to shun driving, a coveted right of passage for most teenagers. Instead, he's been a passionate cyclist, and his choice transportation, says Van Duzer, 23, is friendly on his health, wallet and the environment.

It's also his "issue."

Van Duzer, a 2006 graduate from the University of Colorado's business school, is among 36 semifinalists in an international, Web-based competition. The contest requires young adults to create one-minute films about controversial cultural and political topics.

Organizers asked the civic-minded youth competitors: "What's your issue?"

They responded with short clips that explored a wide-range of topics, including homelessness, domestic abuse, gun control and teenage girls who are forced into prostitution.

The competition is sponsored by several organizations and global-media companies. The public and a VIP jury — which includes legendary newsman Walter Cronkite, actress-singer Mandy Moore and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson — will select a trio of winners.

Public online voting continues until midnight Thursday. The competition's winners will attend an awards ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on June 26, and their films will be broadcast on Starz, Starz Cinema and Starz Edge. The grand-prize winner will be awarded an internship this summer at Universal Pictures.

The contest was open to 16- to 25-year-olds, and, organizers say it has been a fun and creative way to get future leaders fired up about social and environmental change.

Van Duzer says riding bikes is one thing he does to help prevent global warming.

On the Web
Watch Ethan Van Duzer's short video called "Give a Hoot" and vote on the films. www.filmyourissue.com

"It's the little things that can make a difference," he said.

Van Duzer's film, titled "Give A Hoot," shows footage of him riding around in Boulder's bike lanes, showing off his Colorado instructor's permit, and another bumper sticker that says "My other bike is a bike." The video was filmed by his older brother Ryan Van Duzer — the Camera's "Out There Guy," who maintains a video blog of the outdoor adventures he tackles in Boulder County.