Gan Jing World is honored to announce the winners of the Kindness Is Cool Video Awards 2024, a global initiative that celebrates the transformative power of kindness. This year’s contest invited participants to capture and share acts of kindness through video, using the hashtag #KindnessIsCool on GanJingWorld.com. The contest has sparked a global movement, inspiring over 26,000 acts of kindness from more than 50 countries. Hosted in 11 languages, these heartwarming stories have been viewed over 10 million times across 150 nations, proving that kindness is a universal language that resonates far and wide. 👉 #KindnessIsCool 2024 Event Page
The winners will be honored at a spectacular celebration in New York City’s Times Square on March 28, 2025, where their inspiring stories will be showcased to the world. 👉 RSVP NOW
This year’s contest had drawn incredible entries, yet only one would claim the top prize: a shared $10,000 award. Now, its time for the big reveal!
Gold Award $10,000 goes to: James H. White
Hero in Uniform: Army Sergeant Leads Hurricane Helene Relief Drive
When Hurricane Helene devastated communities, Army Sgt. Michael Sharpes took action, leading a veteran-run relief drive to bring aid and hope to those in need. His unwavering dedication and selflessness inspired singer-songwriter James H. White to write Born to Rise, a powerful anthem celebrating kindness, resilience, unity, and the American spirit. Through moving real-life footage and heartfelt storytelling, Hero in Uniform pays tribute to those who go above and beyond, proving that in times of crisis, true heroes rise.
James’s tribute song perfectly aligns with the theme of #KindnessIsCool 2024: Share Kindness, highlighting acts of kindness and inspiring others to do the same. The winning video creator, along with the featured individual, group, or organization, will share the cash prize. James has chosen to share the top award with Save Our Allies, an NGO dedicated to rescuing and aiding Americans and allies in crises, and Aerial Recovery, which supports the training, healing, and deployment of veterans and first responders for global disaster and human trafficking rescue efforts.
Congratulations to our top prize winner! But the celebration doesn’t stop here—kindness continues to inspire and uplift communities everywhere!
Silver Award: $1,000 goes to: Audrey
Some love is silent but touches the heart deeply.💛 | Short film "Old Shoes"
Based on a true story, “Old Shoes” tells the story of a lonely young woman who keeps finding an old pair of shoes at her door, blaming her elderly neighbor—until an unexpected truth reveals a quiet act of kindness. A simple act of quiet kindness, unnoticed at first, transforms into a powerful story of connection, gratitude, and the unseen ways we care for each other.
"Old Shoes" captivates with its masterful cinematography, intimate storytelling, and a deeply moving performance. Based on a true story, it reminds us that the smallest gestures can leave the deepest impact.
Bronze Award: $500 (10 winners) goes to:
HAIR ASMR CEYHUN
The Shocking Finale! SECOND CHANCE! SHORT FILM / Homeless Awareness ASMR
Created by mega content creator HAIR ASMR CEYHUN—whose work reaches over a million followers—this short film follows the emotional transformation of a homeless woman and goes beyond a simple makeover, capturing the profound impact of compassion and support. Alongside this piece, HAIR ASMR CEYHUN has documented more real-life transformations and charity work, bringing joy to children while shedding light on the harsh realities of life on the streets.
Cast By Light
A poignant story of family, Be With You follows three generations as they navigate cultural and generational divides, with tensions between a grandfather and his daughter-in-law threatening to keep them apart. Yet, through love and understanding, these barriers crumble, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation.
Lumen Academy, Boston (United States)
At Lumen Academy, kindness is the foundation of their community. Students in Grades 3 and 4 created an "umbrella of kindness" poster that outlines the school’s rules and goals, all centered on compassionate decision-making. They also write heart warming essays showing that kindness has already took root in these brilliant young minds. This project has profoundly impacted their students, encouraging them to reflect on their decisions and consider whether they are guided by kindness.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School (United States)
Located in Upstate New York, this high school engaged 20 students in the Kindness Is Cool (KIC) initiative. Through acts of kindness, students reduced stress and bullying while strengthening communication and community bonds, creating a more positive school environment.
Marco in America
Prom Dresses and Suits Giveaway for Local Teens
In this heartwarming video, we meet Josephine, the organizer of Prom Extravaganza, a community-driven event that provides free prom dresses to teens. With donations from local businesses and the help of dedicated volunteers, this initiative ensures that every high schooler can experience the magic of prom, regardless of their financial situation. It highlights the power of generosity in bringing people together.
QUINN FERNANDA HUT
10-year-old Quinn Fernanda Hutauruk delivers a breathtaking performance of Kindness Is Cool, a song composed by one of last year’s winners. Her heartfelt rendition, paired with a beautifully creative arrangement, showcases how talent can inspire and spread kindness.
State Junior High School 29 Batam (Indonesia)
Welcome Gan Jing World To State Junior High School 29 Batam Indonesia
With nearly 1,000 students and 32 teachers, SMPN 29 Batam embraced the Kindness Is Cool contest to foster creativity and character development. The school further hosted a school-wide event for students to share kindness with #KindnessIsCool and the schools own hashtag, which gathered more than 570 participants. This initiative not only sparked creativity among the students but also inspired them to continue sharing kindness, shaping the character and personalities of future leaders.
Clearview Kidsland
Youth Empowerment in Action: Supporting the Community through Food Bank Volunteering
Over 100 students, from daycare to Grade 6, produced 19 heartwarming videos showcasing kindness in action. Their contributions, including community service like food bank volunteering, highlighted how even young children can make a difference through compassion.
NDP
A powerful tale of redemption and the lasting impact of kindness, 20-Year Invoice follows a street vendor whose unexpected reaction to a young thief’s wrongdoing changes both of their lives forever. This beautifully crafted short film is a testament to the idea that the seeds of kindness, once planted, will one day bear the sweetest fruit.
Truth Video Maker
This heartwarming entry from Japan tells the touching story of a young girl whose wish is fulfilled through a special book, guiding her family through their hardships. The short film beautifully illustrates the importance of family and the magic that can happen when we come together with love and understanding.
Student Voices School Award: $500
Furthermore, Gan Jing World is pleased to introduce the Student Voices School Award, honoring student filmmakers from two universities who have created dozens of heartfelt film projects—some telling original stories, others capturing genuine moments of kindness—all showcasing their pure hearts and boundless creativity.
Inspired by their dedication and talent, we are awarding $500 to each school in recognition of their efforts. We truly believe these young creators will become the compassionate and visionary leaders of tomorrow.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Education (Vietnam)
American literature students from this university class crafted a dozen high-quality short films that portrayed kindness in various forms. Their creative storytelling inspired viewers to recognize and practice kindness in their own lives. Their work will be showcased at the Times Square ceremony.
HCMC University of Technology and Education (Vietnam)
Nearly 200 freshmen from HCM UTE created 55 short videos reflecting on kindness in everyday life. Students pledged to become ambassadors of kindness, spreading positivity through small, meaningful actions. Their commitment will be recognized at the Times Square ceremony.
Honorable Mentions:
Our World
A heartwarming video featuring young Priscilla as she prepares breakfast for her grandmother, reflecting on kindness, self-acceptance, and the beauty of valuing what’s inside over outward appearances.
Fable
This beautifully animated retelling of The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs delivers a timeless lesson on gratitude and contentment, reminding viewers that true wealth comes from appreciation, not greed.
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