Samtse College of Education Student Wins Global Grand Prize in International Video Essay Competition
Samtse College of Education is proud to announce that Sonam Yoezer Dendup, a third-year B.Ed Information Technology student, has achieved the prestigious First Grand Prize in the University Category at the Grecture Global Shorts Competition. The results were officially announced on April 30, 2026.
The competition, hosted by Grecture (presented by Idegree by Woosong University) in collaboration with EBS (Korea Educational Broadcasting System), provides a global platform for students to transform complex philosophical ideas into short visual narratives. It attracted participation from both high school and university students worldwide.
Sonam’s winning video essay, titled “Insight on Death: A Bhutanese Introspect,” explores the philosophical concept of the “Deprivation Account” of death, drawing inspiration from the lectures of Shelly Kagan. The film uniquely presents the idea of the body as a temporary garment through a Bhutanese cultural lens, blending global philosophical thought with local storytelling.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sonam shared that the recognition felt “surreal,” especially as a beginner filmmaker. The entry stood out for its authentic and cinematic portrayal of Bhutan, combining raw, locally shot visuals with deep philosophical insights. Despite challenges such as limited equipment, shaky handheld shots, and difficult lighting conditions, Sonam embraced these constraints, turning them into strengths that enhanced the film’s artistic quality.
The opportunity to participate was made possible through the guidance of Dr. Kinley Seden, Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages, who shared the competition details with students. Sonam expressed sincere gratitude for this support, acknowledging that such opportunities provided by the college play a crucial role in student success.
Looking ahead, Sonam plans to invest the prize in professional filmmaking equipment to further develop his craft. With aspirations to become an independent filmmaker, he aims to continue telling Bhutanese stories with global appeal. He also expressed strong interest in participating in future editions of the competition.
This remarkable achievement highlights the creative potential of SCE students and demonstrates that with innovation, perspective, and determination, they can compete on the global stage. The college continues to support students by providing access to information, platforms, and opportunities that enable them to showcase their talents beyond borders.
