What does democracy look like to you? Is it electing your representatives and trusting them to make decisions that benefit the general interests? Is it feeling part of a society and of the decisions that affect you? Or is it about fighting for your struggles: for change, for being heard, having your voice matter?
In a time of political division, polarised debates and declining trust, democracy can feel distant, though it remains deeply personal. Because behind every headline, statistic or political statement, there are real human stories. With this video contest TEPSA invited participants to share their perspectives and have their voice amplified across Europe.
This call for video submissions was organised by the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) in collaboration with the Horizon Europe project “Activating Citizens’ Trust in Times of Crises and Polarization (ActEU).
RESULTS
The winning video was created by Mariami Japaridze.
Four other videos were also shortlisted, created by:
- Tetiana Vovk, Olesia Hramiak and Uliana Matviichuk
- Selma Bichbich
- Anne Charlotte Delatte and Laly Warnier
- Mihai Cataraga
ABOUT
“Through my eyes: Stories of democracy” was a video contest that asked: how do you experience democracy today? TEPSA asked participants to send short, original videos (maximum 3 minutes) that reflected on one or more of the following themes:
- Can we still trust politics, institutions, or leaders?
- Who truly represents people in politics? And who gets left out?
- How does polarisation shape our societies and how we talk, connect or disagree with one another?
- What does political participation look like for you (from voting to protest, or quiet, everyday acts of engagement)?
WHO PARTICIPATED?
- The contest was open to individuals or small teams (up to three people)
- Aged 18 and above
- All nationalities and residencies were welcome to participate
TIMELINE
- Submissions opened: 22 September 2025
- Deadline: 9 November 2025 (midnight CET)
- Winner announced: December 2025
HOW WERE THE CREATIONS EVALUATED?
A jury composed of experts from TEPSA and the ActEU Civil Society Network selected the winner based on 1) the relevance to the theme; 2) the originality and creativity; 3) the clarity of the message and 4) the emotional and intellectual impact.
PRIZES & RECOGNITION
The results of the contest were announced by 10 December 2025 and the winning video, as well as four finalists, were published by TEPSA on its social media channels.
The creator of the winning video is invited to Brussels to attend the ActEU final conference on 5 February 2026, where it will be broadcasted in front of researchers, policy-makers and civil society representatives, with travel and accommodation costs covered (up until €500).
