Suraj Maharjan has won the first prize in a UN-sponsored short video competition for his video "Ma Byujhiyapachi" (After I Wake Up). The video contest, which was organized on the theme of "Gender Equality in Nepal", saw a total of 90 submissions.
Navin Lamsal took the second prize for his video "Difference Between Dad and Mom" and Ambika Shrestha Karmacharya's "Paper Boat" won the third prize. These short videos revolve around several aspects of gender equality in Nepal, ranging from the discrimination a girl child faces in her home to long running gender stereotypes.
UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women jointly launched the competition on the eve of International Women's Day. The theme of this year's video contest was, "Empower Women, Empower Humanity. Picture It". The aim was to commemorate International Women's Day, to challenge gender stereotypes and raise public awareness about the plight of women and girls among the youth. The winners will receive cash prizes of Rs. 200,000, Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 100,000 respectively as well as certificates.
"I am extremely impressed by the quality of the videos submitted. They successfully use imagination and creativity to challenge gender stereotypes," said UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Jamie McGoldrick. "This really demonstrates the creative potential of Nepalese youth and how they could be mobilized to bring about social and behavioral change."
Out of the total entries, 78 videos were posted online following an initial screening for public voting. Based on the number of likes and comments and a decision of a jury comprising of representatives from the organizers and a senior broadcast journalist, the top three videos were chosen. Selection criteria included theme-focused storyline, creativity, originality, coherence, cinematography, sound design and soundtrack.
YouTube links of the winning videos:
https://youtu.be/911XZnWHOP8?list=PLTqQXcDEapg_6gDiYgjm5AdBxgTLy3LJ1
https://youtu.be/xpRkOjrf1yE?list=PLTqQXcDEapg_6gDiYgjm5AdBxgTLy3LJ1
https://youtu.be/7Nu8KLDvlt8?list=PLTqQXcDEapg_6gDiYgjm5AdBxgTLy3LJ1
Related link: http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/nepal/2015/02/17/11492/international_women_s_day_video_challenge/
