Video Awards 2021
(Works Produced in 2020)
Excellence in Video Storytelling, Short-Form: Hannah Tran
Excellence in Video Storytelling, Long-Form & Programs: Aisha Sultan
Excellence in Video Storytelling, Short-Form -
Works Produced in 2020
Hannah Tran
(Visual Storyteller // Senior Digital Media Specialist, Colorado State University)
HANNAH TRAN is a visual storyteller and former video journalist for the Colorado Springs Gazette and various broadcast news stations. She is currently a Senior Digital Media Specialist for Colorado State University's flagship social and digital media channels. She is part of the LGBTQ community and comes from a first-generation family from Vietnam. Hannah's passion for visual storytelling centers on sustainable development, social and environmental justice, food and agriculture, and the arts.
Hannah Tran, "A Dream Deferred," Rocky Mountain PBS
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Mija’s story brings to light the breadth of untold stories of immigrants whose dreams and aspirations were put on hold following migration to a new country. We often hear about the circumstances leading to migration or displacement to a new destination, where dreams are actualized. This fairy tale especially rings true in a country like the United States. There’s a perception that the U.S. is the land where dreams come true. However, this isn’t the case for many immigrants, migrants, or refugees. Oftentimes, migrants experience a fragmentation of the self as they leave behind hobbies and ambitions in their former homes. Starting from scratch, especially while raising a family, demands a substantial amount of time, leaving little room for treasured pastimes. Mija’s reconnection to classical Korean dance was a unique opportunity to reconnect to a foundational part of her identity. This story is a reminder that immigration isn’t entirely the pursuit of happiness and opportunity. This perception is often too simplistic and overlooks what has been lost in the process. (Just in case as a backup to the link above, here's a Vimeo link: https://vimeo.com/420369508).
RUNNER UP: David Ono and Jeff McIntyre, “FACEism: The Only One,” KABC-TV
Hannah Tran accepts the 2021 Excellence in Video Storytelling, Short-Form Award.
Excellence in Video Storytelling, Long-Form & Programs -
Works Produced in 2020
Aisha Sultan, "33 and Counting," Nine PBS - St. Louis
ABOUT THE PROJECT: The documentary, “33 and Counting,” was selected to screen at film festivals around the country. It was recognized as an official selection at the New York City International Film Festival; REMI Gold prize winner for documentary short WorldFest Houston International Film Festival; St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, Best Documentary Award, Audience Choice Award; St. Louis International Film Festival, Breckenridge Film Festival, 2020; Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival. Beyond industry and audience accolades and screenings, the film aired multiple times on Nine PBS in St. Louis. It prompted hundreds of calls to the Missouri Governor's office asking for clemency for Patty Prewitt, the main subject of the film. Her story also raised awareness about the skyrocketing rates of maternal incarceration and its devastating generational impact on families. Lawmakers who are supportive of Patty Prewitt's clemency petition are planning a screening for lawmakers at the Missouri Capitol. All of the in-person events for the film in 2020 were cancelled due to the pandemic. The attention to Patty's case from the film attracted significant media attention to her plight. She is still hopeful that justice may prevail in her case.
Aisha Sultan
AISHA SULTAN is a nationally syndicated columnist and award-winning filmmaker and features writer. Her work has run in more than a hundred publications. In 2015, AAJA awarded her coverage of the unrest in Ferguson the Excellence in Print Journalism award. Her work explores social change with an emphasis on education, families and inequality.
