Dear Editor,
Yesterday, I called the Ethnic Relations Commission to inquire if a film I produc-ed for their competition was received that I emailed to them on their November 30th deadline. I was given a rather surprising response; they are considering extending the deadline until next March.
The Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) apparent decision to consider extending the deadline for their film competition is an insult to those of us who adhered to the original guidelines. This move is not only unfair but also reeks of poor planning and disregard for participants’ time and effort.
Producing a film is no small task. It demands extensive planning, hard work, and often financial investment. My team, like many others, worked within the stipulated time frame to meet the deadline, believing in the integrity of the competi-tion rules. Now, the ERC is considering pandering to complaints from individuals who failed to plan accordingly. This is grossly unfair to those of us who followed the rules.
What is the purpose of a deadline if it can be conveniently extended whenever a few participants complain? By moving the goalposts after the fact, the ERC under-mines not only this competition but its credibility as an institution. Competitions should be about fairness and rewarding those who meet expectations, not enabling procrastination at the expense of diligent participants.
I urge the ERC to abandon this ill-conceived idea and honour the original deadline. Any attempt to extend it would send a clear message that adherence to rules is optional—a message that is especially damaging coming from a body meant to promote fairness and equity. If this is done editor, it is clear such a competition lacks a clear transparent and accountable process and that is shameful.
Best regards,
Rae Wiltshire.
Filmmaker.
