Dialogue Fiji has today launched the One Fiji. Many Stories. Video Contest, a nationwide storytelling initiative inviting Fijians to create short videos showcasing real stories of friendship, understanding and goodwill across Fiji’s ethnic communities.
The competition aims to challenge harmful stereotypes by highlighting the countless examples of ordinary Fijians who work together, study together, support one another and build lasting relationships across ethnic divides.
Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal said stereotypes were among the greatest barriers to social cohesion because they encouraged prejudice and reduced individuals to simplistic labels.
“Every day, thousands of Fijians demonstrate that our differences do not define us. They build friendships, support one another through difficult times, work side by side, play in the same sporting teams and contribute to stronger communities. Unfortunately, these stories rarely receive the attention they deserve.”
Mr Lal said the initiative was particularly important as Fiji had entered the election campaign period, when political tensions and divisive rhetoric were likely to intensify.
“Divisive rhetoric is often at its worst during elections. Political competition can inflame existing prejudices, deepen ethnic divisions and create a volatile environment in which messages of hatred and suspicion spread rapidly, particularly through social media.”
“Through this competition, we want to inject positive messages into the public conversation at a time when they are needed most. These videos are intended to create goodwill, challenge harmful stereotypes and remind Fijians of the relationships, friendships and shared experiences that unite us across ethnic divides.”
He said the purpose of the competition was not to deny the existence of prejudice, but to ensure that voices promoting division did not dominate the national conversation.
“The purpose of this competition is to shine a light on positive stories and remind us that there are good and bad people in every ethnic community. It is our shared humanity, rather than our differences, that should define us.”
The contest is open to all Fijians, with individuals and groups encouraged to submit original videos between two and ten minutes in length. Entries may tell the participant’s own story or the story of another individual, family, workplace, school, sports team, organisation or community that demonstrates goodwill, understanding and friendship across Fiji’s ethnic communities.
Stories may include lifelong friendships between people from different ethnic backgrounds, neighbours supporting one another, workplaces embracing diversity, communities coming together after disasters, acts of kindness that broke down prejudice, and experiences that challenged harmful stereotypes.
Artificial intelligence-generated videos or images will not be accepted. All submissions must be based on authentic, real-life stories.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the three best entries:
First Prize: FJD 2,000
Second Prize: FJD 1,000
Third Prize: FJD 500
Submissions opened on 15 July 2026 and will close on 31 August 2026.
The competition is being implemented by Dialogue Fiji under the Democracy for All: Strengthening Inclusive Governance in Fiji project, with funding from the European Union.
Dialogue Fiji encourages Fijians from all backgrounds to participate and help demonstrate that trust, respect and understanding remain the foundation of Fiji’s future.
