The final films of Race Around the World. Spoiler: Winner revealed

Elliot Constable has been named the winner of Race Around the World, ending the 100-day competition with a victory that includes both the title and funding to develop his own film project for the ABC. The finale, which aired on Sunday, August 9, 2026, allowed participants to choose their own destinations, marking a departure from earlier episodes. Constable selected the favelas of Brazil as his location, where he filmed his entry titled Holding the Line. This film follows a father in Brazil’s largest favela striving to alter the course of his son’s future. The competition featured six finalists, each producing a short film based on their chosen location. Mikaela chose Mongolia, where her film I Can’t See It explores the idea that certain days are optimal for recognizing change, even if it hasn’t yet occurred. Lucinda traveled to Los Angeles, California, to shoot Forever 35, a film examining societal pressures surrounding aging and beauty. William’s entry, Endurance, takes place in Vietnam, where he receives a tarot card from a fortune teller and uses the experience to explore personal connections. Jayden set his sights on Senegal, focusing on the challenges faced by local fishermen due to overfishing and illegal migration. Kate’s film, I Wish My Dad Was Still Alive, tells the story of a stay-at-home father in China, viewed through the perspective of a “gwai lou,” or foreign devil, highlighting cultural differences and parenting approaches. Each contestant’s choice reflected a deep engagement with the themes of identity, transformation, and resilience. The finale marked the culmination of a season that saw participants travel to diverse locations across the globe, capturing stories that highlighted both personal struggles and broader social issues. The format of allowing self-selection of destinations added a new layer of creativity and authenticity to the competition, giving each filmmaker greater control over their narrative. The show, which streams on ABC iview, has become a platform for emerging talent in documentary filmmaking. Contestants have had the opportunity to work with professional crews and receive mentorship from industry experts. The structure of the competition, combining travel, storytelling, and production, has attracted a wide audience interested in both entertainment and real-world narratives. The 2026 season, in particular, emphasized the importance of personal connection and the power of visual storytelling to illuminate complex human experiences. Reactions from the participants varied, though all expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work. Elliot Constable, having won the competition, will now have the resources and support needed to bring his vision to life. Other contestants, while disappointed not to win, praised the experience and the chance to share their perspectives with a global audience. The final films, available for viewing on ABC iview, offer viewers a glimpse into the lives and challenges of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. As the dust settles on this season of Race Around the World, the focus shifts to the future projects of the winning filmmakers. Elliot Constable’s upcoming film, Holding the Line, promises to delve deeper into the realities of life in Brazil’s favelas, offering a nuanced portrayal of community, struggle, and hope. With its blend of personal storytelling and global relevance, the finale has left audiences eager to follow the journeys of these talented filmmakers as they continue to shape the world through cinema.