2025 "My Gift to America"

For Contestants



  • Share your story with millions of audiences.
  • Engage with acclaimed filmmakers & influential community leaders.
  • Get a ticket (worth $150) to the award ceremony.
  • Win $5,000 (total $ 20,000) in grants for your future production.
  • Win a sponsored trip to Washington, D.C. by UCA.
  • First 20 submissions will receive Asian American Stories T-shirt.



  • JUDGING CRITERIA

    Contest Details: Two (2) Divisions: Youth (Ages 12 - 18); Adult (19+)

    • Entry Requirements: Submit a one-minute video & a 150-word essay by March 31, 2025. The video must be in MP4 or MOV format, under one minute, and the essay written in English.
    • Theme: “My Gift to America” should showcase uplifting and inspirational stories of Asian Americans and their contributions to society.
    • Submission Instructions: Digital files (not YouTube links) should be sent to Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM).

    Submission Period: January 15 to March 31st, 2025.

     

    Contest Rules:

    • Open to independent journalists, ethnic media, video creators, event organizers, and civic organizations in the U.S.
    • Content must be original and relevant to the theme. Use of external material requires proper permissions.
    • By entering, participants grant SVCM permission to distribute videos across various media platforms.
    • Judging will focus on inspiration, storyline, creativity, and technical skills. The Judging Committee's decision is final.

    Judging & Awards:

    • Prizes: 1st Prize (2); 2nd Prizes (2); 3rd Prizes (2); People’s Choice (2).
    • Judging Criteria: Inspirational content (3 pts), storyline (3 pts), creativity (2 pts), and production/technical skills (2 pts), evaluated on a 10-point scale.

    Note: Please fill out each required question. If you didn't answer, your entry may not be judged. Thank you!

  • HOW TO ENTER

    This Video Contest is open to all independent journalists, influencers, content creators, organizations, and everyone desiring to share Asian American stories.


    Categories of contestants 

    • Youth: 12–18 years of age.
    • Adult: 18 years old and above.

    What to Tell and How to Tell Stories: 


    America is a country of immigrants. It is our diversity that makes our country great. Every immigrant has an interesting story to tell.  All of us have a unique perspective that shapes how we see and relate to America. 

    Whether we are considered “successful” or not, we have lots of stories to share, to teach, to learn, and to inspire.  After all, “All Of Us Belong Here” in America

 2025 "My Gift to America" Entries Preview

Videos will be shown after submission deadline Mar 15th.


#1. Jasper Chen, My Gift to America
#2. Thomas Clinton Scofield, My Gift to America
#3. Rejoice, Importance of
a Perfect Pao
#4. Homage and Inspiration – Pioneers of Artificial Intelligence
#5. Pho Brought to You

#6. Story of Ellison S. Onizuka Space Shuttle Pioneer
#7. Making WAVES, Breaking Barriers – The Gift of Susan...
#8. “Raising All Boats”
Recognizing Harbir Bhatia
#9. Garden Within, Gift of Reflection
#10. Healing Hands, Guiding Heart: Gloria's Gift to Santa...
#11. Gift of A Special Break

#12. Brian 17, My Gift to America
#13. Ron Chan, My Gift to America
#14. Eva's Aloha Spirit: Sharing Hawaiian Joy Across...
#15. Golden Threads of Tradition: Rowena’s Gift to America
#16. Shaping the Future By Honoring The Past Ron...
#17. Phil Chan, My Gift to America
#18. The Gift of Two Golds: Vicki Manalo Draves
#19. Chiyu Wang, My Gift to America
#20. Eclipse Volleyball Club, My Gift to America
#21. Maximillian Park, My Gift to America
#22. The Hollywood Rebel Who Conquered the World
#23. Daniel Holl, My Gift to America
#24. Jiayi Li, My Gift to America

Any Questions? Please contact us!

 2024 Selected Winners' Entries


1st Adult Prize:  Asian, or American
Produced by Tim Jian Zheng
2nd Adult Prize:  The Chinese Women of the Delta
Produced by Min Zhou
3rd Adult Prize:  Guardian of Oakland Chinatown
Produced by Kaiyi Li
1st Brotherhood Cup Youth Prize:  Vietnamese Culture Club
Produced by Sylvie Nguyen
2nd Brotherhood Cup Youth Prize:
Samantha Quỳnh Hương Tran
Produced by Samantha Quỳnh Hương Tran
3rd Brotherhood Cup Youth Prize: 
Abby Wu
Produced by Abby Wu
Judges’ Special Merits Awards:
Absence/Presence
Produced by Avalyn Wu
Judges’ Special Merits Awards: 
 The Peace Messengers of San Francisco
Produced by Chuyun Cathy Chang
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