The second season of the documentary series, The Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), has won the prestigious John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Reporting on the Environment at Columbia Journalism School, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The series, sponsored by the Aga Khan University (AKU) and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), explores the climate crisis in high-mountain Asia and the billions of people that depend on the rivers that flow from these mountains.
The Oakes jury reportedly said that the international documentary series “provides an exceptionally vivid and intimate look at climate change’s impact on people and wildlife living in the Himalayas among the world’s highest mountains.”
The series captures the spirit and resilience of the people who call this region their home, sharing their daily lives, traditions, and struggles. The documentary series has garnered widespread acclaim for its captivating storytelling, breathtaking visuals and ability to foster cross-cultural understanding.
The 10-part series was produced by filmmakers from Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Nepal: Andrew Tkach, Abdullah Khan, Tolik Godomamadov, Janyl Jusupjan, Asmita Shrish, Shanta Nepali, Aibek Balymbetov, Iskender Aliev, Karim Shallwanee, and Tazeen Bari. All 10 episodes aired on Express TV in Pakistan and are available on YouTube.
The John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Reporting on the Environment at Columbia Journalism School is given annually for news reporting that makes an exceptional contribution to the public’s understanding of environmental issues. It recognizes journalists whose work meets the highest standards of journalistic excellence. The selection of The Voices from the Roof of the World reaffirms the series' continued commitment to delivering compelling narratives and shedding light on overlooked communities.
Voices from the Roof of the World is a joint initiative of AKU, AKAH, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the University of Central Asia (UCA), with the support of Ross Beaty, the Sitka Foundation and the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family. VRW trains, mentors, and supports young Asian filmmakers to produce groundbreaking environmental films about the consequences of climate change for the people and wildlife that are the least responsible for global warming but already shouldering its catastrophic impacts. The films also show how by combining local knowledge and innovation, these communities are finding ways to adapt and fight to save diverse ecosystems and precious water sources. This environmental documentary series launched its second season on November 6, 2022.
