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 UCA sponsored trip to Las Vegas.
  • 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 15, 2025. The video must be in MP4 or MOV format, under one minute, and the essay written in English.
    • Theme: “Coming to America”: While many came here to seek economic opportunity, political freedom, or the "American Dream", we are interested in your personal motivations. What specific goals or circumstances led you to America?"
    • Submission Instructions: Digital files (not YouTube links) should be sent to Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM).

    Submission Period: January 15 to March 15, 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, “My gift to America” in America

 2026 "Coming To America" Entries Preview

Videos will be shown after submission deadline Mar 15.


#1. Bryanna Dong
Coming To America
#2.  Ignites Energy,
Coming To America
#3.Celebrates Identity,
Coming To America
#4. Protects Curiosity,
Coming To America
#5. Lifts us Together,
Coming To America
#6. Asks For Help,
Coming To America

#7. Embodies Tenacity,

Coming to America

#8.  illuminates potential,

Coming to America

#9.Opens Doors,
Coming to America
#10. Redefines Intelligence, Coming To America
#11. Lives Perseverance,
Coming To America

#12. Chen Ma,
Coming To America
#13. Katelee ngo & Kaden ngo
Coming To America
#14. Katelee ngo,
Coming To America
#15. Khushal Murthy,
Coming To America
#16. Liana Chung,
Coming To America
#17. Naomi Yim,
Coming To America
#18. Rohan Thirumala,
Coming To America
#19. Urim Kang,
Coming To America

Any Questions? Please contact us!

 2025 Selected Winners' Entries


1st Place Winner - Adult Category
Produced by Ghino Lee
2nd Place Winner - Adult Category
Produced by Hong Nguyen-Phuong
3rd Place Winner - Adult Category
Produced by Asian Americans with Special Needs
1st Place Winner - Youth Category
Produced by Jaslyn Kwan
2nd Place Winner - Youth Category
Produced by Kaihua Skyler Chong
3rd Place Winner - Youth Category
Produced by Gunn Language Bridge Club
Special Recognition Awards
Produced by Jiayi Li
Special Recognition Awards
Produced by Hailey Yu Group
Special Recognition Awards
Produced by Chengwei Chen & Weng Kee Fu
Special Recognition Awards
Produced by Elly He