WASHINGTON – Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) digital brand 歪脑 | WHYNOT was today named a winner at this year’s Online News Association-sponsored Online Journalism Awards (OJA). Its winning documentary The Young People Who 'Ran' out of China, Are Their Dreams Coming True?, which profiles several Chinese emigrants who fled China during the covid pandemic, won in the category of Digital Video Storytelling for Short Form, Small/Medium Newsroom.

“I am so proud of the 歪脑 | WHYNOT team for yet another win this week - a much deserved recognition for their insightful coverage of the challenges Chinese expats face,” said RFA Executive Editor Min Mitchell. “Visual storytelling plays an essential role in modern-day journalism and this award speaks to 歪脑 | WHYNOT’s terrific work not only reporting on sensitive issues, but also connecting with audiences through their engaging visual style.” 

The winning documentary, which is part of 歪脑 | WHYNOT’s special project “The Study of the Run Movement: Why So Many Chinese People Are Fleeing China's Prosperity,” profiles several Chinese expatriates, including an artist and a transgender woman, who left their homeland amid the draconian lockdown measures during the covid pandemic. Through in-depth interviews, the project documents their new lives, as they reflect on their difficult journeys and grapple with their decision to leave China. 

In addition, 歪脑 | WHYNOT’s What Do 355 Chinese and Foreign War Films Tell Us? and RFA Burmese’s ‘I had to cut off the head, bro’ were listed as finalists. 

Launched in 2000, the OJA’s recognize and honor innovative digital journalism around the world. Winners will be honored at the Online Journalism Awards banquet on August 26th in Philadelphia.