NYU Grad Wins College Television Award & Humanitarian Award

New York University (NYU) graduate Giorgio Ghiotto won the 'Nonfiction Series' category and the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award for his project Wings of Dust at the Television Academy Foundation’s 43rd College Television Awards, held on April 13 in Los Angeles, CA.

The College Television Awards recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Designed to emulate the Emmy Awards, student entries are judged by Television Academy members. The Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award is a $4,000 cash prize given to a College Television Award-winning project that best highlights a humanitarian concern.

Ghiotto won the ‘Nonfiction Series’ category for a piece he wrote, produced and directed titled Wings of Dust. The film profiles Vidal Merma, a Quechua Indigenous journalist who champions the voice of the indigenous K'ana Nation, a people whose wellbeing and natural resources are jeopardized from the effects of aggressive mineral mining. With rivers reduced to dust, and the remaining water contaminated, the people of Espinar, Peru, demand accountability, and an immediate end to the unsolicited practices destroying their home.

“Vidal Merma’s efforts inspired me to tell this story,” said Ghiotto. “The fight for his community against the malicious practices of the multinational mining companies showcased his immense integrity and I wanted to help with his campaign.”

“To make Wings of Dust, I spent 2 months in Peru living very close to Vidal's house. Because this was my student film and I didn’t have much money, I ended up being the director, cameraman and sound recorder,” said Ghiotto.

“Witnessing Vidal's hope and resilience profoundly transformed my life during filming,” said Ghiotto. “Vidal and I immediately bonded over a strong desire to expose and change the human rights violations experienced by Indigenous communities globally. During our long car rides where we went looking for people to interview, I remember, in absolute silence, looking at Vidal's tired and thoughtful face and thinking, how is it possible that a man who everyday experiences abuse and attacks on his personal dignity and freedom be such a strong example of positivity?”

“Receiving a College Television Award represents a significant milestone in my life, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to bring Vidal's struggle to a broader audience,” said Ghiotto.

Born in Rome, Italy, Ghiotto is a 2023 graduate of NYU, with an M.A. degree in News and Documentary Journalism.