In 2020, the International Schools Association launched a Short Film Contest, inviting member schools to prepare and present Short Films on different global issues:
- 2021: Internationalism.
- 2022: Climate Justice.
- 2023: Well-Being and Mental Health.
- 2024: The Challenge of Managing World Heritage
- 2025: Leadership Across Oceans: Uniting Cultures to preserve Marine Ecosystems.
- 2026: The Culture of Peace.
A number of member schools participated and a jury of two ISA Board members was set up to judge the short films. These Board members did not have their schools as contestants in the Short Film Contest.
Jury
Mrs. Narin Stassis – Chair of the ISA Board and ISA Representative to the UN in New York, United States.
Mr. Edgardo H. Manzitti- Board Member at St. Catherine’s Moorlands School, Argentina and Secretary General of ISA.
WINNER
We are pleased to announce that the winner of the Short Film Contest 2026 is SMP Islam Sabilillah Malang, Indonesia
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCcyW8oqf3s
Sinopsis: Film title: The Domino Effect of Kindness
At a middle school, Wail is known as a quiet student who rarely socializes with others. One morning, he sees his classmate, Faris, being scolded by a teacher for submitting an assignment late. What no one knows is that Faris has been struggling because he helps his mother sell goods before school every day. While the other students simply watch, Wail quietly offers to help him complete the missing work and teaches him the lessons he has not yet understood.
This small act of kindness restores Faris’ confidence. A few days later, Faris notices a new student, Laura, sitting alone during lunch break. Remembering the help he once received, Faris invites Laura to join him and introduces him to other classmates. Nizam, who initially feels isolated and out of place, gradually begins to feel accepted. The chain of kindness does not stop there. One day, Laura sees a school janitor struggling to carry a pile of old books to the storage room. He immediately offers assistance. Several students witness his action and decide to help as well. Without realizing it, more and more students begin doing small acts of kindness for others: helping classmates’ study, sharing school supplies, and working together to keep the school clean.
Little by little, these simple actions transform the atmosphere of the school. Relationships among students become warmer, conflicts decrease, and a stronger sense of mutual respect begins to grow. Teachers also notice that the school has become a more welcoming and peaceful place for everyone.
At the end of the story, Wail looks around and sees the many acts of kindness taking place throughout the school. He smiles as he realizes that the small help he once offered has spread from one person to another like a line of falling dominoes. The film closes with the message that peace does not always begin with grand actions, but with small acts of kindness that inspire others and create lasting positive change.
Talents:
- Laura Fitria Ferhanadya
- Faris Ashraf
- Rasya Muhammad Athaya
- Hanizam Nurfarazaki
- Mutiara Nabila Ramadani
- Aisha Putri Aidila Adha
2nd Place: Liceo Los Cabos with their film: “The last day on earth”.
3rd Place: SMA Islam Sabilillah Malang Boarding School Sistem Pesantren with their film: “Concern: The Power of Peace”.
We congratulate all schools for their participation this year!
Short Film Contest – 2027
The theme and details for the next Short Film Contest will be announced soon.
