The School of the Arts, Media, and Culture (SAMC) at Trinity Western University is celebrating the first-place winner of its “Frame It Forward” high school video contest, an initiative designed to inspire the next generation of storytellers to engage with social impact through film.
Ben Torio, a Grade 12 student at MEI Secondary in Abbotsford, has been awarded the $1,000 top prize for his short documentary Peace–Now in Technicolor. His work reflects a thoughtful approach to storytelling, highlighting both the power of community service and the different ways people experience peace.
Dean of SAMC, Kevin Schut, expounds on the value of this contest, noting, “Storytelling is at the heart of the School of the Arts, Media, and Culture. In a world flooding with meaningless AI slop, we have a deep need for talented creators who can construct meaningful narratives that make a difference in the world.” And in response to the winning video, he adds, “Ben’s short film is a great example of how creativity can inspire people to bless the world the way God intended us to."
A story of community in action
Torio’s film centres on the Fraser Valley Gleaners Society, a non-profit organization that produces food to support humanitarian efforts locally and globally. Through interviews and documentary-style storytelling, he explores how volunteers contribute to meaningful, service-focused work.
“The meaning behind it, at least the title, is that peace is not black or white, but it’s available to all colours, cultures, and people,” Torio explains. “It comes in many forms.” His film also highlights the culture and creativity of the Fraser Valley, offering a snapshot of a community shaped by collaboration and care.
The judges recognized the film for its clarity of purpose, strong narrative, and its ability to connect local action with broader ideas of social impact.
Encouraging young creatives
The “Frame It Forward” contest was created by TWU’s Media and Communication program to encourage high school students across British Columbia to explore storytelling that makes a difference. By inviting students to think critically and creatively about issues that matter, the contest aims to nurture emerging voices and build connections with future students interested in media, communication, and the arts.
This year’s submissions demonstrated creativity, reflection, and a desire to communicate meaningful ideas through visual storytelling. Judges selected two entries that met the contest’s criteria for excellence.
Second place, and a $750 prize, was awarded to Myra Richards, a Grade 11 student from Lighthouse Christian Academy in Victoria. Her video, The Girl Through the Window, tells a personal story of how the gift of a Bible sparked faith and transformation, tracing how a moment of curiosity led to a life-changing journey.
Creating pathways for emerging talent
Initiatives like “Frame It Forward” play an important role in growing and strengthening creative communities. For SAMC, the contest reflects a broader commitment to equipping students with the skills, insight, and purpose needed to tell stories that matter.
By engaging high school students early, the program helps open pathways for future study while encouraging participants to see storytelling as a meaningful tool for connection and change.
As the contest continues to grow, so does the excitement around what young creators will bring next. Torio’s winning film is a reminder that powerful stories often begin close to home, shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to see the world from new perspectives.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.