September – November | 315 followers with 10+ enrolled participants
Reported by Khaing Su Myat Thin, Win Pyae Pyae Aung, Myat Noe Khin Khin
Key takeaways
- Empowering youth through digital storytelling: the contest demonstrated the power of creative media as an effective platform for engaging young people and encouraging critical thinking on plastic pollution and environmental challenges.
- Expanding public outreach: through its online format, the project successfully extended environmental education beyond physical boundaries, reaching and engaging thousands of social media users.
- Showcasing community-driven solutions: The submitted films highlighted real-world plastic pollution issues within local communities and presented practical, action-oriented solutions, strengthening the connection between individual actions and broader environmental impact.
Main highlights
- Date: 28 September – 20 November
- Platform: Facebook & Instagram
- Participants: youth nationwide
- Followers:
- Facebook: 285 followers
- Instagram: 30 followers
- Short film participants: 10+ enrolled participants
- Total views and engagements:
- 4,700+ Views on contest announcement post
- 2 Finalist videos published with 800+ views each
Activities implemented
The “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION AGAINST PLASTIC” nationwide online short film contest was organized by the ReCircle project to engage youth in environmental advocacy through creative storytelling. The initiative aimed to encourage young people to reflect on plastic pollution challenges in their communities and propose innovative solutions through the medium of film. By leveraging digital platforms, the contest sought to spread environmental awareness and foster a new generation of sustainability advocates across Myanmar.
Implementation Timeline
- Planning and Preparation (1st–2nd Week of September)
The project team finalized the contest guidelines, judging criteria, and promotional materials to ensure a well-coordinated and effective nationwide rollout.
- Official Launch (28 September)
The contest was officially announced through online platforms, inviting youth across the country to participate. The launch post achieved strong engagement, reaching more than 4,700 people.
- Content Creation Period (October)
More than 10 registered participants were given one month to research, script, and produce short films highlighting practical solutions to plastic pollution.
- Selection of Winning Videos (15 November)
The submission period closed, and all entries were reviewed in accordance with the contest’s technical and thematic requirements. Two outstanding videos were selected for their strong alignment with the established criteria. The videos are available here:
- Link to video 1: “Less is More”
- Link to video 2: Small Pieces Big Impact
- Publication and Awarding (20 November – Present)
The selected films were published online, each receiving over 800 views. Prize awards totalling 1.5 lakhs MMK were presented to the winners in recognition of their contributions.
Outcome
- Enhanced Environmental Awareness
The project reached a wide audience of over 4,700 people, stimulating public discussion and awareness around plastic waste management and environmental responsibility.
- Strengthened Creative and Technical Skills
Participants developed practical skills in environmental filmmaking, learning to communicate complex ecological issues through compelling and accessible visual narratives.
- Sustained Digital Advocacy Impact
The publication of finalist videos generated high-quality, youth-led advocacy content that continues to educate and engage the public, achieving more than 1,600 combined views across top entries.
- Meaningful Youth Recognition
Prize awards totalling 1.5 lakhs MMK served as both an incentive for participation and formal recognition of young people’s contributions to environmental advocacy.
