Ontario pubcaster TVO has launched its second annual short documentary competition, the TVO Doc Studio Contest.

This year, filmmakers based in Ontario must create a five-minute doc that challenges perceptions of poverty under the theme ‘Poverty in 5.’ The finished films will contribute to the channel’s programming under the international Why Poverty? documentary project, which aims to raise awareness and debate around the issue of poverty.

The films will be judged by a panel of filmmakers, including TVO Doc Studio filmmaker-in-residence Shelley Saywell, and the winner will be announcedon March 25.

“Poverty touches people and places in unexpected ways,” Saywell said in a statement. “We want participants to make us look at or think about poverty in a way we haven’t before. The documentary can be angry, raw, funny or inspiring. But it has to be honest. The winning film will make us understand poverty in a new way.”

Hopefuls can submit films via YouTube or by mail from Nov. 28 to Feb. 28. TVO will showcase five finalists on Doc Studio site and viewers will be able to vote on the winner from March 11 to 18. Visit the studio’s website for complete entry details.