"Incredible Young Talents" wins Silver at New York Festivals TV and Film Awards

The 2024 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards announced its winners via its virtual ceremony on April 16, 2024, with CGTN's "Incredible Young Talents" series winning the silver medal among international entries in the Documentary, Heroes category.

The awards received entries across 14 category groups from entries submitted from 5 continents. Impressive and engaging content created by storytellers and filmmakers from around the world was judged online by the NYF's TV & Film Awards Grand Jury panel.

"Incredible Young Talents" is a documentary series produced by CGTN (China Global Television Network) that chronicles stories of courage, perseverance, and hard work. With a humanistic focus that reflects the thoughts and experiences of Chinese youth, these stories are set in China but are universally relatable because of the palpable passion and unadulterated camaraderie of the subjects. Each episode introduces a different group of children on their journey to excellence in various cultural and artistic fields. It details the challenges they encounter along the way, as well as their determination to fight for their dreams.

"Basketball Dreams Soar in Liangshan" takes the audience to the mountainous area of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province, where a group of Yi ethnic children aged between 8 and 13 are hard at work training for their local basketball team, the Blackhawks.

Unlike their urban counterparts, these children from this remote, rugged region have few options when it comes to entertainment, and basketball has offered them the chance to compete in big cities, and even abroad. This episode shows how the sport is lifting these kids out of hardship and how the mixed squad has bonded over their shared passion. To these young hawks, the sky is the limit.

"Kung Fu Journey Up Wudang Mountains" follows two young disciples on their quest for a non-traditional education. Located in central China's Hubei Province, the Wudang Mountains are known as the origins of Taoist martial arts and Tai Chi. 

This episode breaks down what it takes to become a Wudang-style kung fu master – while physical training improves strength and stamina, music, calligraphy and literature classes deepen the spiritual understanding of these time-honored martial arts. The young hero and heroine in the story represent the many students from across China and beyond who look to the ancient Taoist mountain as a place to strengthen their bodies and characters.

"Painting Beyond the Spectrum" features a teenage boy diagnosed with autism and takes viewers into the fascinating world of his paintings. It explores how the medium of art enables autistic children to express their inner world and how their families and communities provide a haven for them through love and empathy. The episode ends with a soul-stirring song by the Not Alone Band, a group made up of young autistic people in Beijing.

These young protagonists have not only demonstrated stunning talents, but have also inherited and promoted Chinese culture. Through its representation of underprivileged groups, such as girls from impoverished regions and disabled children and their families, the documentary series highlights the idea that everyone has the chance to realize their potential while raising awareness of child education and development.

These videos have resonated with global audiences and gained popularity across social media platforms, receiving millions of views. "Incredible Young Talents" brings hope and strength to those who dare to dream and triumph over adversity. It empowers and inspires people, regardless of their age or background, to pursue their dreams.