VIDEO MATSURI
STUDENT SHORT FILM CONTEST
Video Matsuri 2026
Video Matsuri 2026 is Open from Feb. 19 until Sept. 25
This page will be progressively updated.
Poster will be available for download (TBC)
The Japan Foundation, Sydney is proud to present the 18th Video Matsuri Student Short Film Contest!
Video Matsuri is an online short film festival for students in primary, secondary and tertiary education in Australia and New Zealand.
Whether you’re a budding social media star wanting to show off your cosplay prowess or the dux of your Japanese language class, itching to show off your Japanese skills, grab your camera, get creative and get recording!
Changes for Video Matsuri 2026
50th Anniversary Special Award
In addition to the division winners in the Shorts Division and the standard 3-Minute Divisions, we are proud to introduce a special, one-time award in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia.
All entries across every division will be automatically eligible. One outstanding entry that best embodies the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia will be selected to receive this commemorative award.
Entry Submission Method
Starting in 2026, participants may submit their entries using either of the following methods:
Option 1: Unlisted YouTube Link
As done in previous years, upload your video to YouTube and set the privacy setting to Unlisted.
Please ensure:
- Name of Video: Video Matsuri 2026: Video title – School name (State/Territory).
<E.g.> Video Matsuri 2026: Severus Snape’s Weekend – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft (NSW) - Privacy settings: Must be Unlisted (This means the video cannot be searched for or viewed without this specific link).
Option 2: Share Drive Download Link
You may also submit your entry using a downloadable link from a cloud storage service, such as:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Other similar file-sharing platforms as directed by your school
Please ensure:
- Name of File: Video Matsuri 2026: Video title – School name (State/Territory).
<E.g.> Video Matsuri 2026: Severus Snape’s Weekend – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft (NSW) - The link allows viewing and downloading access.
- The file remains available until the judging process is complete (Mid-November).
Please note that winning entries submitted via share drive may be made available as unlisted videos and published on the Japan Foundation, Sydney YouTube channel for a period of up to one year.
For more information on how to upload a file to YouTube or a Share Drive please read here.
CONTEST SUPPORTERS
About Sugoi Co
Our approach is simple: we’re here to get anime seen and loved. We focus on getting the word out about great shows in ways that speak directly to fans and keep our community engaged and excited. Sugoi offers a complete solution for your anime needs. Whether it’s getting anime onto your screens, finding great licensing opportunities, or offering the coolest anime merchandise, we’ve got it handled. We’re not just passionate about anime; we’re creating a thriving community for anime fans, creators and partners. Join us on our exciting journey to take anime to new heights!
Sign up to the Sugoi Co mailing lists for news on upcoming films, merch, and special events.
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops anywhere.
Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.
Related Links
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ENQUIRIES
Japanese Language Department
(02) 8239 0055