Celebrating Global Visual Art: The First SmallRig Awards Recognize 22 Outstanding Creators
The Power of Visual Storytelling: Highlights from the First SmallRig Awards
The inaugural SmallRig Awards took place during the 2025 International Image Culture Week in Shenzhen, highlighting the remarkable vision of global creators through the lens of photography and film. This prestigious event celebrated the transformative power of images and recognized the efforts of artists who make a difference through their craft.
From an impressive 3,891 entries submitted from 120 countries, an esteemed international jury helmed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ruby Yang sifted through the submissions to crown the winners across various categories. The competition featured an array of accolades, including 12 Bronze, 5 Silver, and 2 Gold Awards, alongside the Emerging Talent Award, Audience Choice Award, and an Outstanding Achievements Award.
An Event of Inspiration and Conversation
The SmallRig Awards Ceremony is one of the central events of the International Image Culture Week, which encompasses several key activities including the 2025 Visionary Storytellers Industry Forum and various public image experience events like the Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions and Filmmaking Class. Participants and guests alike donned elegant attire, bringing together the world's creative minds under one roof.
In his speech, Zhou Yang, the founder and CEO of SmallRig, illuminated the ideas that sparked the creation of the awards. He noted, “This award belongs to all those who believe in the transformative power of visual storytelling and strive to make a difference through their work.” He emphasized SmallRig's mission to cultivate creativity while sharing impactful social stories through visual media, supported by the launch of the SmallRig Image Development Fund.
The event also saw a compelling keynote address from renowned wildlife photographer Xi Zhinong, who underscored the importance of capturing nature's truth. Referring to his 40 years of field experience, Xi stated, “The power of images in nature conservation lies in being present and telling the truth.” He called upon photographers to maintain their integrity and use their artistic skills to promote environmental awareness.
Dialogues and Discussions on Impactful Imagery
Following the awards, a global roundtable series titled “Dialogues on Social Impact Images” took place, featuring vibrant discussions among prominent attendees, including filmmaker Gu Tao and German documentary award-winning Uli Gaulke. Discussions revolved around the theme of storytelling's impact within the realm of visual media, with insightful analyses provided by a blend of creators, scholars, and media leaders hailing from both China and the international community.
The launch of the SmallRig Social Impact Media Alliance marked another significant moment during the event, aiming to unite influential media organizations worldwide in order to co-create, distribute, and develop impactful visual content. As part of the Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions, creators submitted a total of 124 proposals from various countries, covering diverse themes such as ecological protection, disability care, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The selected works encompassed 18 series, 53 short films, and 53 feature films presented through a multitude of styles including documentaries, animation, and experimental formats.
To honor the contributions of these creators, the sessions awarded recognition to the top 10 works, while the Chinese independent film streaming platform CathayPlay introduced the CathayPlay International Communication Honor during the event.
About SmallRig
Founded in 2013, SmallRig has become a leader in designing and producing comprehensive accessory solutions tailored for video creators and storytellers, ranging from camera rigs to lighting essentials. With worldwide usage by over two million content creators, SmallRig fosters a user-centered development approach, emphasizing collaboration to fulfill the dreams of its global artist community. Visit SmallRig on Instagram for more information.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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