Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, October 2, 2025 – The results of the Rohingya Youth Storytelling Contest in the video category have been announced, recognizing young Rohingya filmmakers who used visual storytelling to document the experiences of genocide survivors. The contest was aimed at encouraging authentic narratives and creative expression among Rohingya citizen journalists living in refugee camps.
First Prize: Mohammed Ayas
Mohammed Ayas won first place for his powerful short documentary that met all the competition requirements. His video featured strong editing, clear English subtitles, and a compelling focus on the survivor of the 2017 genocide. The story was authentic and easy to follow, capturing both the trauma of the past and the hardships faced by the young victim in the camps today.
Judges praised the video for its clarity, sincerity, and close connection to the contest theme.
Second Prize: Mohammad Aros
The second prize went to Mohammad Aros, whose video opened with a factual background that provided viewers with international context. The piece then transitioned to a woman survivor’s account, supported by archival photos from the genocide.
Judges noted that while the inclusion of real images was emotionally powerful, some visuals could have been edited to focus more on the victim’s personal story. The video’s structure and subtitles were commended for professionalism and coherence.
Third Prize: Maung Shah
Maung Shah’s video earned third place for its deeply emotional portrayal of a Rohingya woman’s journey through loss and displacement. The storytelling alternated between her 2017 memories and present struggles in the camps. The music and subtitles were well executed, enhancing the gravity of the narrative.
However, the video exceeded the 5-minute time limit, which affected its eligibility for a higher position despite its strong emotional impact.
Fourth Place
The fourth entry, while creative, was marked down for diverging from the 2017 genocide theme and combining multiple periods of Rohingya history. Judges said the video was valuable for its intent but may confuse viewers unfamiliar with the broader context.
Promoting Visual Storytelling Among Rohingya Youth
Organizers said the video submissions reflected growing skills among young Rohingya in using media to document history and truth. “These short films are not just stories; they are evidence of resilience and collective memory,” said one judge.
The video category winners will receive prize money totaling BDT 9,000, with BDT 4,000 for first place, BDT 3,000 for second, and BDT 1,000 each for two additional participants.
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