CELEBRATE
KINDNESS

Meet the winners and honorable mentions of our global kindness open call

In today’s world, it’s all too easy to feel divided – separated by beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. But kindness? Kindness is the game-changer, the real connection point. It’s the thing that cuts through all the noise and reminds us of what we share. 

In celebration of Kindness Month, the global creative studio Fine Acts and the independent philanthropic artist-focused foundation A.W.E. are presenting the winners and honorable mentions of Kindness as a Common Ground – our open call to video creators and storytellers worldwide to bring kindness to life.

Find here all the details about the open call, including its purpose, background, and the jury.

CELEBRATE KINDNESS, SHARE KINDNESS
Share these videos with your friends, colleagues, and communities. Share them on Instagram or TikTok by using our campaign hashtag #CommonGroundKindness, tagging Fine Acts (@fineacts) and A.W.E. (@accept_welcome_embrace), so we can amplify your messages.

ARIELLA MCCALL | United States

Ariella is a film photographer, photojournalist and vintage stylist based in New York City, New Jersey and Mexico City. Her work is rooted in documenting the overlooked stories of the people in her community and using visual storytelling to encourage healing, inner worth and deep introspection. Ariella combines both her artistry and passion for resourcefulness to capture surrealist styles of community, culture and faith.

“There is a natural strength and fortitude that flows when we commune with each other and I saw that every day when I would walk outside my door. From my porch to many others.”

GIUSEPPE POTENZA | Italy

Giuseppe is a filmmaker and creative professional with a passion for experimentation. Trained in film in Milan and now based in Rome, he has produced short films, music videos, and various innovative projects, collaborating with prominent brands. Driven by curiosity and a desire to learn, Giuseppe continually explores the potentials of the digital world and artificial intelligence in audiovisual storytelling.

“When we are angry, something, as simple as laughter, can make us kind.”

STEFANIA TESIO | Argentina

Stefania, known as "Tefi," is an Argentinian 3D Artist and Multimedia Designer. Her work is driven by experimentation and joyfulness, bringing to life vibrant and playful universes where her characters thrive. Through her art, she crafts engaging stories, blending creativity and color to create immersive visual experiences.

“I created it to remind myself of something every time I feel lost, alone, or when nothing seems clear. I often think about how beautiful the world is… how kind life feels when dreams come true, and how good we can be to ourselves. It's a soft reminder—because a soft reminder doesn't pressure you, it doesn't overwhelm you, it comforts you.”

IPPF AFRICA REGION | Kenya

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is a prominent advocacy voice and one of the leading sexual and reproductive health service delivery organizations in Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, its overarching goal is to increase access to services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa.

“This video is part of our campaign "Common Senses" where we use values such as kindness, respect, and the African Ubuntu philosophy to address sexual and reproductive health and rights issues such as LGBTIQ+ (sense of belonging).”

HANNAH MOREN | United States / Japan

Hannah is an illustrator from the US currently living in Japan. She is inspired by the natural world as well as ancient art. Hannah believes kindness is a bridge that can help connect everything, making all of our collective days easier and better to live in.

“Through simple meetings and gestures of kindness greater bonds can be formed in between these barriers - bonds that will transcend the walls between us.”

SUFIYA ALIYA NAQVI | Pakistan / Australia

Sufiya is a filmmaker from Pakistan, based in Sydney, Australia. She is passionate about using filmmaking to compel inspirational and positive change and to create meaningful connections. Her short film is inspired by her own healing and self-love journey. She hopes that her work brings a sense of belonging, comfort, and support to anyone who needs a gentle reminder to treat themselves and others with kindness.

“I love the idea that we need to be more kind to ourselves so that we can be more kind to each other.”

IANCU BARBARASA | Romania / United Kingdom

Iancu is a graphic artist based in London, UK, originally from Transylvania, Romania. Trained as a designer, Iancu has worked for almost 20 years with clients and agencies from all over the world. Often based around themes such as kindness, perseverance or mundane beauty, his artworks are characterized by a search for simplicity. His works have been featured in multiple publications, exhibitions, and film festivals.

“A flower a day” is a stop-motion short film with over 500 flower ink drawings, made every morning for my wife over three years. The film portrays the joy of being in a relationship, and highlights the importance of kindness and daily commitment that a good relationship requires. Music is an integral part of the film, the drawings being matched with Chopin’s Minute Waltz.”

PREETI SINGH | India

Preeti is a visual communication designer by day, and an artist by night. She looks for stories everywhere. Growing up she was always fascinated by art, culture, and history. As an artist she always tries to infuse her inspirations to convey compelling and interesting artworks.

“This video celebrates the beauty of human connection and the collective effort to create a more inclusive world.”