Abdullo Ashurov Wins First Place in International Festival Essay Contest

As part of CCP’s 40th Annual International Festival, a contest encouraged to submit essays that embodied the theme of Building Bridges Across the Globe and spoke directly to their own personal experiences as international students.

Abdullo’s essay, "Bridges' and 'Walls' in Tajikfilm," examined the debate about the impact of Hollywood movies on the moral of Tajik society. Abdullo is an Accounting student at CCP, working toward a degree and career change so he can better support his family. Before immigrating to the United States, Abdullo worked as a journalist in Tajikistan, which is part of the reason he was interested in participating in the essay contest. “Winning this contest brought back a part of myself that I thought I had left behind,” Abdullo said. “It reminded me of my passion for writing and gave me hope and motivation for the future.”

Abdullo’s essay discusses the cultural debate in Tajikistan about the influence that Hollywood films have on Tajik films. It explores the tension between preserving national values and embracing global ideas. The piece also examines how censorship in film can build “walls” and alienate certain ideas and practices, while global storytelling can build bridges between cultures.

Abdullo is so glad that his professor, Mary Scholl, encouraged him to submit his essay for the contest. “Her belief in me gave me the confidence to participate,” he said. When Abdullo learned he was the contest winner, he was filled with emotion. “As an immigrant starting over in a new country, this achievement reminded me that I still have something valuable to offer,” he said. “It helped restore my self-belief and gave me renewed confidence and motivation.”

CCP’s Annual International Festival is meant to bring the College community together to celebrate different cultures and learn from one another. The essay contest is just one part of a multiday event that aims to educate and inspire. “[The festival] showed me how powerful writing and storytelling can be in building understanding between people,” Abdullo said. “I was proud to be part of an event that brings people together through culture and ideas.”

The winner was announced at the International Festival Luncheon, "Cuisine from Around the World," on April 2, 2025. Congratulations to Abdullo on this wonderful accomplishment!