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 (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 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements listed on the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
The term intangible refers to something that cannot be physically touched—something immaterial. Culture refers to the traditional values, beliefs, and practices that shape identity, while heritage refers to the legacy passed from one generation to the next.
In essence, Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to the living traditions, practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that are transmitted across 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 supporting individual and community well-being
Supporting human rights and sustainable development
What happens when we give attention to Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Humanity’s heritage becomes richer and more diverse.
Minority and smaller communities become healthier and more resilient.
Economic opportunities for craftspeople and local communities are strengthened.
Understanding of one another improves, both within and across communities.
Connections to shared histories and natural environments are deepened, 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, ensuring that people understand what it is and why it deserves protection.