Organized by the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the contest is themed “Colors of Gia Lai – Mountains embrace the blue sea”.
It welcomes single photographs, photo series and video clips lasting between one and five minutes, created during activities associated with the festival series.
Entries are expected to capture the region's distinctive cultural and natural attractions, including gong performances, artisans, ethnic communities, wild sunflower fields, Chư Đang Ya Volcano, Ia Gri Village, Bien Ho (Sea Lake), traditional communal houses and other iconic destinations.
The competition also highlights the hospitality of local people, culinary traditions, agricultural products, OCOP goods, traditional handicrafts and cultural, sporting and tourism activities, including experiential programs and folk games.
Among the participants is Vũ Tiến Đức, born in 1998 and from Group 6 in Đức Cơ commune, who is focusing on the cultural identity of local ethnic communities.
He arrived in Ia Gri Village, Biển Hồ commune, three days before the festival series began to study the event schedule and identify suitable locations and moments for filming.
“As a young person passionate about creativity, I want to bring a multi-dimensional, emotional perspective on Gia Lai. From sunrise moments and the golden wild sunflowers to the vibrant festival activities,” Đức said.
He plans to submit a video of about three minutes and a series of 10 photographs, using creative perspectives to tell stories about the province's cultural and natural attractions.
“Gia Lai has given me many emotions and unforgettable moments. I want to tell stories through both images and video, using creative angles, to help friends at home and abroad better understand the cultural and natural beauty of my province,” he said.
Another participant, Phạm Xuân Độ, born in 1991 and from Tân Đông hamlet in Kông Bơ La commune, is concentrating on Central Highlands gong culture through two video entries.
Độ spent three days in Ia Gri Village preparing his submissions, using a camera with a versatile lens, a gimbal and an action camera to capture footage and authentic ambient sound.
He said his concept would open with women walking along a wild sunflower-lined road, followed by greetings from local residents to viewers.
The approach aims to introduce Gia Lai's people and culture naturally, without relying on a presenter.
The organizers will accept entries until November 20, 2026. The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 2026 or may be incorporated into an appropriate program marking the closing activities of National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026.
