Is That a Conflict Phone in Your Pocket?

Tonic has brought some attention to what's fueling the world's biggest war (and how purchasing a little whistle can help end it).

The EnoughProject and Center for American progress are trying to turn a lens on the long, brutal conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by encouraging the YouTube generation to creative activism.

Featured on YouTube today, the Come Clean 4 Congo video contest is calling filmmakers to action and to shine a light on the battle for territory in the Congo -- ground zero for cellphone and electronics manufacturers. Minerals and metals like coltan, tungsten and tin are used in most of our cell phones and other electronics devices. The metals are abundant and cheap to extract in the country, but also hold the promise of big profits for landowners. Unfortunately, the country has been ripped apart for the past decade over this horrific, high-stakes turf war.

Through July 1, you can shoot a video that brings awareness to the cell phone/war link, and upload it to YouTube as part of the video challenge. A panel of star judges including film director Wim Wenders, actor and activist Ryan Gosling, and actress Sonya Wagner will select the best video, and the winner gets a trip to LA for a special screening of their film.

Even if you can't channel your inner Spielberg by making a film, you can do your part to spread the word about the conflict and by taking steps to pressure politicians and electronics manufacturers to do their part.

Check out the promo and trailer for the campaign, and get shooting!

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