Uncovering stories of good in Asia

Over 130 diverse mix of stories submitted at the inaugural video storytelling competition by Our Better World
SINGAPORE, 14 MAY 2014 – Our Better World,  an online storytelling initiative powered by the Singapore International Foundation, has unveiled the winners of its first ever video storytelling competition, which focuses on people in Asia doing good to improve the lives of others.
In true celebration of bringing together the magic of stories and the power of people to inspire change for a better world, The Good Story Competition’s open call to professional and amateur filmmakers has uncovered stirring stories of many across Asia.
The competition received a diverse mix of stories, from films on foot spas run by the visually impaired, to young people teaching street kids through graffiti and street art, and even fitness enthusiasts engaging in Zumba exercises with the elderly – a testament to how there are countless ways to improve the lives of others.
Head of Our Better World, Ms Rebecca Lim, said, “Through The Good Story Competition, we have uncovered so many poignant and inspiring stories that cast the spotlight on the good work done by many in Asia. The overwhelming response of video entries received for the competition has truly heartened and encouraged us not only with the stories, but also with the diversity of film makers who are passionately telling these stories. This gives Our Better World the opportunity to spread these stories to inspire action, in line with the Singapore International Foundation’s mission of connecting communities for good.”
Open to countries across Asia, The Good Story Competition received over 130 entries from filmmakers spanning 27 different nationalities, capturing stories in 18 countries. Clinching top spots from the Open and Professional categories are countries including India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Cambodia.
Singapore-based Filipino filmmaker Paul David Sarabia took home the top prize in the Professional category with his short film “From Trash to Treasure”, while Indian filmmaker Mithran P claimed top spot in the Open category with his film “Unknown Faces”. Winning S$8,000 and S$4,000 respectively, the victories also extended to the causes that were featured in their films as they too received cash prizes of the same value. Eight other films were shortlisted in the finals for both categories, with the filmmakers and featured non-profits or social enterprises each taking home S$2,000.
The winning story from the Professional category, “From Trash to Treasure”, shone the spotlight on School of Transformation, which was set up to give lowest caste children in India the highest standard of education in order to provide them a better future. “Unknown Faces” took the top spot in the Open category for its inspiring story of St. Joseph’s Hospice, a charitable organisation in India that picks up the destitute from roads, gutter and pavements and provides them with shelter, medical requirements and even manages the last rites when they pass on.
The Audience Choice Award in the Open Category went to “Salaam Baalak – A Hope, A Path, A Dream.” Produced by a group of engineers in Mumbai headed by Yogesh Maurya, the video showed how NGO Salaam Baalak Trust provides street children food, shelter, education. It teaches them the values of life, friendship, culture and helps them find a sense of belonging.
Ms Lim added, “All the stories in The Good Story Competition offer tangible calls to action, whether it’s donating, volunteering or simply raising awareness for the cause. We hope that these stories will inspire more people to do good in any way they can, no matter how big or small, so that we can come together to truly make our better world.”
For the full list of winning films, please refer to the attached Annex or watch them at www.ourbetterworld.org/goodstoryasia.