ColorPro Awards 1st Place

The Return of the Buffalo Shepherd by MERİÇ AKTAR, Turkey

What is the rise story of the photo?

This shot is the story of a buffalo shepherd in Dokuzpınar Village of Kayseri province, Turkey. The buffalo shepherd is on his way back home with his herd, which consists of about 500 buffalos. Every sunset is the beginning of a new adventure for the buffalo shepherd. His journey begins in the early morning in the Hürmetçi Grasslands and ends near the bank of a creek while his herd crosses the dusty path under the sunset light. The shepherd sometimes rears up his horse and his dog bites the ankles of slow buffaloes to fasten the crossing. This journey offers a visual feast every day of the summer months.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

The Rise of Victory by Tran Tuan Viet, Vietnam

What is the rise story of the photo?

Teammates lifting a victorious man high above their heads amidst the mud and cheers of the Van Village mud ball wrestling festival, Bac Giang province, Vietnam. The theme of ”rise” resonates deeply in this context. It signifies not only the physical elevation of the triumphant wrestler but also the collective rise of the team's spirits, their shared joy, and their mutual support for one another. It symbolizes the strength of unity and the capacity of individuals to overcome obstacles when they work together toward a common objective.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Alien Throne by Marcin Zajac, Poland

What is the rise story of the photo?

An otherworldly rock spire (also known as a hoodoo) rises out of the badlands, forming a perfect foreground to the Milky Way galaxy above. The surrounding area has eroded over thousands of years, leaving this strange formation as a testament to resilience in the face of the forces of nature.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Snowy Games by Kavan Chay, New Zealand

What is the rise story of the photo?

To me, the theme represents the need to elevate yourself. For me personally, I've managed to do this through the exploration of New Zealand.

Within the New Zealand hut network, the Brewster Hut route is definitely not for the unprepared, involving a relatively intense climb up with a river crossing right at the beginning. This was one of my first proper solo hikes and it became a key learning experience in my hiking and mountaineering adventures.

The area is often hit by nasty weather that makes the climb up a dangerous affair and astrophotography impossible, so the brief clear night I had was a rare opportunity to try and create something after months of patience and meticulous planning.

I scrambled up over tree roots with nearly 30kg of gear strapped to my back, aiming to get this particular shot. I didn't plan for this level of crisp snow, as I'd been told that the snow was actually quite poor at the hut by a skier hiking back down. Little did I understand that the viewpoint of a backcountry skier varies greatly from that of my own, as I reached the tree line and realised how much potential I had at my disposal.

I definitely think I got lucky that night. The hut was beautifully lit by its occupants; the snow left on the ground was a nice, lush layer with great coverage all around; and there was nothing stopping me from taking all the photos I needed that night, so everything just fell in place.

Overall, I think this experience definitely helped me elevate my photography to a new level. It felt like my years of effort to reach this level had been rewarded and I feel like my attitude towards photography has been forever changed as a result of that.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Flying birds by Sabadell Laurent, France

What is the rise story of the photo?

This photograph takes us above the clouds, giving us the feeling of flying amongst these majestic birds.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Skilling for the Future by Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain

What is the rise story of the photo?

This photograph illustrates the children's desire to rise every day, striving to improve themselves for a better future, despite the strong adversities they face.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Emergence by Marie-Christine Huot, Canada

What is the rise story of the photo?

We explored this ice cave in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Once inside, a completely different world opened to us; a sense of achievement and humility in the face of this marvel of nature overwhelmed us. We emerged from the cave into the outside world with a feeling of renewal.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Last Hymn of a Warrior by Pramit Karmakar, India

What is the rise story of the photo?

This artwork illustrates the journey of every life that ascends, highlighting that not all achieve their intended destination. Despite falling short of their goal, the presence of the radiant light symbolizes the continuation of their existence in the afterlife, where their souls will be reborn in their next life.

ColorPro Awards 1st Place

RISE by Lucy Galliford, United Kingdom

What is the rise story of the photo?

My film is a visual expression of my passion – I stripped my soul of the 'why' and poured it into this. I didn't have the budget to go to any extravagant locations; I just wanted to stick to my roots and tell my story to the world, showcasing how I rise to the challenge of fulfilling my dreams.

ColorPro Award 2nd Place

Jordan - Collect memories, not things by Maor Benezri, Israel

What is the rise story of the photo?

For my 25th birthday, my friend took us on a trip to Jordan. She decided that she didn't want to buy me anything physical, but that she wanted us to go on an experience that we would remember together.

The entire video is the result of collecting experiences, not possessions, and believing in the connection between people more than in material gifts

ColorPro Awards 3rd Place

Why I Travel The World Alone by Bashir Abu Shakra, Germany

What is the rise story of the photo?

Why I Travel the World Alone depicts a four-year-long solo journey around the world. It represents the theme of ”rise” through challenging hikes, climbing mountaintops, making personal sacrifices, and the evolution of a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut to explore Earth from above. Though unfulfilled, this dream paved the way for a new passion: exploring the world's heights with a drone. It portrays personal growth and self-discovery and showcases the idea that even when one dream doesn't come true, there are opportunities to find new passions and rise to new heights in unexpected ways.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Beyond the Flames by Kingsley Ndukwe, Finland

I believe the symbolism portrayed in the video truly encapsulates the meaning of the theme ”rise”.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Riding to Ascendance by Michael Li, Taiwan

What is the rise story of the photo?

”Rise” is about overcoming boundaries and constraints. It's progressive in nature and unafraid to challenge traditional thinking. In this short film, the actress's vehicle to rise is a motorcycle. Embracing Taiwan’s unique motorcycle culture, she skillfully shifts gears to transcend social, economic, and gender barriers. With her newfound momentum, the opportunities for ascension are limitless.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

T2KO - Make a Difference. by Brody Searle, Australia

This short film depicts something that has touched my heart: Zac, who lost his friend to unrelenting cancer, spiraled into a wave of depression. Emerging from this, he created a foundation for cancer awareness. Sent into the desert for his 100km run, I filmed his non-profit charity for free. It not only showcases great visuals but also tells an incredible tale of what it truly means to rise.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Travel Showreel by Łukasz Jaros, Poland

Traveling to unfamiliar places motivates me to enhance my filming and moviemaking techniques; this is what RISE means to me. On one hand, this short depiction of my recent travels represents the new skills I develop, while on the other, it symbolizes my rise through experiencing cultures, religions, and ways of life on the other side of the planet.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

Kogei by Jason Macalpine, Australia

I believe that as humans, in times of need, we all rise together for the betterment and preservation of our precious world.

While thoughts of extinction often evoke images of endangered animal species, it's crucial to recognise that in today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, indigenous crafts across the globe are also verging on the brink of disappearance.

This short piece inspired by traditional Kyoto Artisans, shows the importance of rising together to remind the world of the significant role of traditional handmade crafts.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

R I S E to Rejuvenation by Kayal, India

The story begins with a lady finding her way through the dense jungles of Bali. She enjoys her stay at an isolated bamboo villa; relaxes by a waterfall; wanders through paddy fields and an ancient temple complex; basks in the sun at the pristine beaches; and then rests at her villa. In the end, she wakes only to get ready for her next trip.

I think this 'TRAVEL-SLEEP-REPEAT' way of living is a rebellion against society—especially in India, where most people are so busy chasing money and trying to please society that they forget to live. I feel that it's important to chase your passions, and the money will follow. Chase money, and you may never find your passions. I have realised that the passion for travelling is the best way to stay close to nature, rejuvenate your soul, and broaden your mind.

ColorPro Awards Top 10

RISE (A Short Film About Anxiety) by Mélina Colbaut, Netherlands

The parallel between the light and anxiety aims to showcase both the intangibility and the omnipresence of anxiety. The act of rising is only possible through surrendering to the beast itself: anxiety. Both immersion and the struggle of anxiety are symbolised by the thunderstorm. Ultimately, letting go of the fear of drowning through faith is what allows for rising. Anxiety has not only been tamed (as you can never truly kill it) but has become a mode of empowerment – this once burdensome light of anxiety has transformed into a glowing star. That is what RISE means to me.