Press Release.

CALL FOR PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS

Short Video Competition

Theme: “China–Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes”

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone, hereby invites members of the public to submit short videos as part of a national video competition making:

• The 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between China and Sierra Leone, and

• The China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges (2026).

This initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people friendship, showcase shared development experiences, and highlight the positive impact of China–Sierra Leone cooperation from the perspective of Sierra Leoneans.

Who Can Submit?

The competition is open to all Sierra Leoneans, including but not limited to:

• Journalists and media practitioners

• Content creators and social media influencers

• Students and young people

• Academics, professionals, and researchers

• Community storytellers and the general public

Collaborative works between Sierra Leonean and Chinese creators are encouraged. However, the main characters and perspectives should primarily be Sierra Leonean.

What Should the Videos Be About?

Submitted videos should creatively reflect on China–Sierra Leone relations and cooperation. Suggested focus areas include:

• Stories of friendship and people-to-people exchanges between China and Sierra Leone

• China’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s development (infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, trade, transportation, etc.)

• Cultural exchanges and everyday moments of cooperation

• Youth stories showing how collaboration is helping young people achieve their dreams

• Visions and expectations for the future of China–Sierra Leone cooperation, including sustainable development and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Participants are encouraged to present original, authentic, balanced, and inspiring stories from their own experiences or communities.

Video Format & Technical Requirements

• Length: Maximum of 5 minutes

• Video types: Interviews, short documentaries, public service announcements, creative vlogs, micro-stories, animations, or other original formats

• Accepted formats: MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV

• Resolution: Minimum 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)

• File size: Maximum 500MB per submission

• Language: English (subtitles optional but encouraged)

• Originality: All submissions must be original, and participants must own full copyright to their work.

There is no limit to the number of submissions per participant.

How to Submit

Participants should submit:

1. The video file, and

2. A brief description of the video (including the creator’s name and contact details)

All submissions must be sent via email to: slajchinavideo@gmail.com

Email subject format:

Creator’s Name – Video Title – Phone Number.

Submission Timeline

• Call opens: Now

• Submission deadline: 31st March, 2026

Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection, Awards & Recognition

• Entries will be reviewed by a joint panel of experts appointed by SLAJ and the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.

• Selected winning entries will receive cash prizes and certificates of recognition.

• Outstanding videos will be showcased on the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone’s social media platforms and other media outlets.

Organisers

This competition is jointly organised by:

• Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)

• Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone

We encourage Sierra Leoneans across the country to tell their stories, share their experiences, and help shape a richer public understanding of China–Sierra Leone cooperationthrough creativity and storytelling.

Signed:

Edward Marah

Secretary General