MY HERO Announces 2026 WOJ Youth Reporter Award Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:

Jeanne Meyers
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]

MY HERO Announces 2026 WOJ Youth Reporter Award Finalists

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – NOVEMBER 11, 2026

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award celebrates young storytellers who use film and media to shine a light on people making a positive difference in their communities and around the world.

Presented by Esther Wojcicki, renowned media arts educator, author and journalist, the award invites elementary, middle, high school and college students to develop their storytelling skills and use their voices to recognise those working for positive change.

Whether profiling a community leader, a local activist or someone making a difference in their own unique way, students are encouraged to get behind the camera, tell their story and share the work of people who inspire them.

Meet the 2026 WOJ Youth Reporter Award finalists:
Enjoy these inspiring films created by student filmmakers who are using their voices to recognise people and organisations making a positive difference.

College

Guardians of the Tide: Sea Turtles
By: Chuah Yi Ling and Charmaine Tee

University students from TARUMT investigate the challenges facing sea turtles and explore ways to protect these endangered marine animals.

AGAPE: A HEROINE'S JOURNEY
By: Kasozi Joshua Marvin

The story of Agape Moses Ayo, a Tanzanian student at USIU-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, who was born with muscular dystrophy.

DC Candlelighters Documentary
By: Aryaman Kantawala

This documentary follows the Sangastiano family as they navigate childhood cancer and discover support through the non-profit organisation DC Candlelighters.

A Message
By: Nesma AbouHeif

A documentary about a young man whose life has been shaped by bullying and the challenges of living with a physical disability.

Painting Freedom
By: Riley Freeland

An aerospace community comes together to honour veterans through a commemorative mural and a clean-up project around their veterans' home.

Hidden Forests
By: Natascha Nathanaela Donhauser and Justine Lysann Wiedemann

This film explores underwater forests, little-known but essential ecosystems that support marine life and play an important role in the health of our planet.

High School

The Reserve
By: Lara Rose Gribbin

A short film about Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve in Sydney, exploring its importance to the local community and marine life.

Unheard Voices
By: Alayna Torres, Ximena Brizuela, Mailie Estupinan Medel and Jaia Nicole

Through interviews with local shopkeepers, politicians and journalists, this film shares the experiences of people affected by ongoing ICE raids.

LAOBANG RIVER
By: Yiheng Wang

A documentary following 2025 field research into water pollution in Qiantao Township, Guizhou Province, China.

Bobby Castillo: Lincoln's Own Dodger
By: Issac Zepeda and Paul Martinez

Students from Lincoln High School explore the life and community impact of Bobby Castillo.

Kenny Washington
By: Nathan Hernandez and Stephano Salazar

Lincoln High School students examine the life and legacy of alumnus Kenny Washington.

Browsing for a New Solution
By: Brendan Buist-Sohn, Allie Mello and Olivia Nathanson

How can targeted goat grazing help keep communities safe from wildfires? This film explores an innovative approach to fire prevention.

Freedom to Belong
By: Audrey Emma Chang

Through interviews with riders and families, and moments shared between riders and horses, this film explores how an inclusive community can build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

The Scientist of the Savana
By: Sokna Biagui

A 15-year-old girl from the Kédougou region of Senegal balances her dreams as a student with the expectations and traditions of her community.

Middle School

Too Much – A Testimony of Identity Under Threat
By: Azomali Obisakin

A personal film by award-winning young filmmaker Azomali Obisakin, who has been making films and podcast series since the age of seven.

Defender of the Blue
By: Elijah Richardson and Kerry Richardson

At nine years old, Elijah became the first youth ambassador for CoralWatch. His advocacy inspired the organisation to establish a youth ambassador programme, encouraging other young people to learn about and protect ocean life. Now 13, he continues to educate and inspire others.

Shoreline Story
By: Isaac Nelson

Rebuilding a coastal ecosystem: the story of a young conservationist working to restore the Jupiter Inlet.

Elementary

Ocean Heroes: Kids Tackling Ocean Plastics
By: Carlee Yardley

Students investigate the problem of single-use plastics and the harm they cause to ocean wildlife through ingestion and entanglement.

A Home Beyond the War
By: Borhan Goodarzi

A young boy looks through family photographs and memories shaped by separation and conflict in this film about the impact of war.

Eileen Collins
By: A.C.

A short film about Eileen Collins, a STEAM hero, created by a student at Ascot Avenue Elementary School.

Dana Torres
By: A.G.

A short film celebrating Dana Torres as a Hispanic Heritage hero, created by a student at Ascot Avenue Elementary School.

Franklin Chang Diaz
By: I.B.

A short film about Franklin Chang Diaz, a STEAM hero, created by a student at Ascot Avenue Elementary School.

Diana Trujillo
By: J.C.

A short film about Diana Trujillo, a STEAM hero, created by a student at Ascot Avenue Elementary School.

Watch the finalist films and cast your vote! myhero.com/2026-woj-youth-reporter-award-finalists

About the MY HERO International Film Festival:

The MY HERO Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories, including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.