The Chinese American Museum DC is pleased to announce a creative true story essay and short documentary film competition. Winners will be awarded prizes across different categories and will be showcased in a special exhibit at the museum, on its web site, and social media channels.

Synopsis

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in US. They play a vital role in building America. In the field of science and technology, Asian Americans make up over 20% of entire workforce, which is three times more than the general population. They have played an essential role in advancing science and developing new technologies, the key engine that drives the economic growth and has propelled America as the world leader. The contributions by Asian Americans in other professional fields are equally prominent. The American fabric isn’t complete without the contributions of Asian Americans. This competition, “Stories about Asian Americans and Their Contributions” aims to capture the true stories about Asian Americans and their important role in America. For too long, these stories have been buried, ignored, or marginalized. It’s time to capture, preserve, and to tell our stories. The stories that make our community and our nation proud. Telling these stories help to recognize our shared history, to place value on our contributions, and to fight hate and violence against our community. Tell our stories to unify our country and create a better America for future generations.

Eligibility

6-12 grades students in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area are eligible to enter the competition.

Grade Categories

Middle School group (rising 6-8 students as of fall 2021)
High School group (rising 9-12 students as of fall 2021)

Description

We are seeking original stories about Asian American professionals (such as scientists, engineers, teachers, artists, musicians, writers, journalists, business executives, etc.) and their achievements and contributions to their professional fields and to our nation. The selected professional can be a family member, or a friend, or a relative, or a member in the local community. The participating student shall conduct a thorough interview with the selected professional and develop an original story.

Submissions will fall into two different categories, each judged separately within the competition. Students can submit entries in one or both categories.

Written Essay – In no more than 1,500 words, present an original story in any written format you prefer, including but not limited to an article-style interview, a third-person narrative, prose and poem. The person or persons featured should be real people in your family or community, and, if living, should give you permission to use their likeness for this project.
Short documentary Film/Video – Shoot and edit an interview and creative video or short film, 4 to 10 minutes in length, to showcase your story. You must have permissions or rights to use all primary footage, b-roll, graphics, and audio in your edited film. Your film is only limited by your imagination and may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to a face-to-face interview, documentary-style edit, or a third-person narrative. The person or persons featured should be real people in your family or community, and, if living, should give you permission to use their likeness for this project.

When telling the story, please consider covering the following elements:

Who is the selected person? What’s special about the person? What does the person do? What is the person’s main achievements? How does the achievement impact our society?
Illustrate their personal experience as an Asian American, including positive and negative perspectives
Expand on major challenges or barriers encountered in life, if any.
Emphasize life lessons or advice to future generations of Asian Americans.

Review criteria

A judging committee selected by the Chinese American Museum Foundation will review submissions based on the following criteria: 1) Originality 2) Technical and artistic creativity, and 3) Storytelling and concept development.

Deadline for Entries

5 pm ET, October 15, 2021. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Submission

See instruction on Registration Form (download below)

Judging and Winners

100 finalists will be selected from Middle School and High School groups
All finalists will receive a certificate of recognition
Finalists’ essays and videos will be displayed at Chinese American Museum and its website in December 2021
Winners in both groups will be selected from the finalists and receive awards

Essay, 1st Place - $700; Essay, 2nd Place - $400; Essay, 3rd Place - $100; Essay, Honorable Mention - $50

Video, 1st Place - $700; Video, 2nd Place - $400; Video, 3rd Place - $100; Video, Honorable Mention - $50

Award notification

5 pm ET, November 25, 2021

Sponsor

Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC)

Partners

Hope Chinese School, CAPA-NOVA, CAPA-MC, CAPA-HC, American Chinese School, Howard County Chinese School, Washington School of Chinese Language and Culture, Lead For Future Academy, ITT

Download Registration Form