Counterpoints Digital Creators Awards 2026

For the inaugural awards, UK-based creators were invited to submit a vertical video of up to two minutes — a complete, self-authored digital work made specifically for social media platforms that explores themes of migration and social justice in creative, engaging, and unexpected ways.

This award recognises not only outstanding content creators, but also creates space for emerging voices to experiment, be seen, and share their perspectives with wider audiences. The selected films reflect a powerful range of styles and stories, each bringing something urgent, creative, and deeply personal.

Ten winners were selected and received a £250 cash prize.

The Winners

Elizabeth Quishpi (@eliqc_)’s video reflects on the sacrifices behind migration and the futures built from them.
Drawing on her own family story, Elizabeth honours the courage, hard work, and resilience of a generation who started again so their children could have greater opportunities. Her work brings a personal voice to wider conversations around migration, ambition, and belonging. Watch Elizabeth’s film here.

Elisabeth Flett (@essaflett), responds to the rise of far-right activity in Aberdeen and the impact it is having on people seeking asylum. Through poetry, Elisabeth calls for greater solidarity with New Scots and reflects on the responsibility of communities to challenge racism and support those building new lives in Scotland. We’re proud to platform Elisabeth’s work and her wider creative practice across poetry, theatre, music, and activism. Watch Elizabeth’s film here.

Lola Rustamova (@loleretta), tells a story about finding belonging in a new place. Drawing on her own experience of moving from Ukraine to Wales, Lola explores the fear of starting again, the challenge of building new connections, and the difference that kindness can make. We’re proud to support Lola’s growing creative journey and share her thoughtful work with new audiences. Watch Lol’s film here.

Yehia Nasr (@yehialess), uses humour and satire to take a fresh look at migration and the stories we’re told about who belongs. Yehia brings together his passion for filmmaking and social justice to create work that is playful, thought-provoking, and full of imagination. We’re delighted to support creators like Yehia through the Counterpoints Digital Creators Awards, celebrating original digital storytelling on migration and social justice. Watch Yehia’s film here.

Ayushi Nathwani (@ayushi.writing), uses music, poetry, and sound to reflect on migration, media narratives, and social justice. Originally from Kenya, Ayushi creates work that brings together art and activism, using her voice to challenge dominant narratives and encourage deeper reflection. The Counterpoints Digital Creators Awards celebrate original digital storytelling and support emerging creators exploring migration and social justice. Watch Ayushi’s film here.

Jasmine Salvador (@salvadorjpt), reflects on identity, belonging, and the experience of navigating life between cultures. Drawing on her own lived experience, Jasmine brings a distinctive artistic voice to questions of migration, heritage, and how we are seen by others. Through thoughtful storytelling, her work invites us to consider the complexities that shape our understanding of home and self. Watch Jasmine’s film here.

Lukhi Soren (@unlukhi), brings a bold and distinctive voice to conversations around migration, identity, and belonging. The Counterpoints Digital Creators Awards celebrate original digital storytelling and support emerging creators exploring migration and social justice through creative short-form work. We’re proud to platform artists like Lukhi, whose work challenges perspectives and opens up new conversations. Watch Lukhi’s film here.

Artist and designer Tala Lulu (@talalulu_) asks “How do you create a fashion collection in the middle of a genocide? As a Palestinian with family in Gaza I had no choice but to find out.” Her collection Carrying Homeland explores forced displacement through garments made from tent fabrics, layered with the kofia and porcelain keys referencing the 1948 Key of Return. She says, “The garments wouldn’t feel complete without acknowledging the right of return for Palestinians… a belief that home will one day be regained.” Watch Tala’s film here.

In this reflective spoken word video Chukwuka Ezeoke (@_shyone), explores the quieter side of migration, what it means to start again, adapt, and hold on to the parts of yourself that can get lost along the way. Chukwuka is a Nigerian poet based in Manchester. c

Mohamad Bwidani (@mbwedany), explores the feeling of living between permanence and uncertainty. Drawing on his experience as a Syrian refugee who has lived in more than twenty homes, Mohamad uses the idea of the “suitcase life” to reflect on belonging, waiting, and the impact that immigration systems can have on everyday life. Watch Mohamad’s film here.