From head of state to film critic: The Tony Blair Faith Foundation announced last week that it is launching a global film competition, called “Faith Shorts,” that will focus on cross-cultural religious experiences — and the former-British-prime-minister-cum-Yale-professor himself will be one of the judges.

The contest, open to entrants under the age of 25, is intended to “increase understanding between those of different religions” by asking young filmmakers to “demonstrat[e] how their faith inspires them.” Three winners will be chosen, and their short films will premiere at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award show in July 2010.

Blair will judge the submissions, along with other global celebrities such as Jet Li, Natalie Portman and Queen Rania of Jordan. The deadline for submissions is May 15.

Click here to find out more about the contest criteria and rules.

YALE DAILY NEWS