VIDEO MATSURI

STUDENT SHORT FILM CONTEST

2024 Video Matsuri Short Film Contest Results and Online Cinema

Comments from the Judges

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Video Matsuri Short Film Contest, and we were delighted to receive 92 entries. We congratulate all the students, teachers, and parents who contributed their efforts and support to the video productions. A new feature this year was the YouTube Shorts division for videos of 60 seconds or less, and we hope to see even more entries in this category next year.

The signature item for this year’s contest was 「じてんしゃ」or “bicycle.” We were pleased to see the many creative ways participants incorporated this theme into their videos, whether as a spoken element, in the background, or even on a game screen. The use of anime, special effects, and ICT was also very impressive, demonstrating a high level of skill and innovation.

The judges were struck by the originality and creativity shown by the students, and we enjoyed seeing them apply the Japanese language skills learned in their classes. The winning videos stood out for their logical storylines and clear, precise Japanese. It was evident that the participants practiced and performed their lines naturally, rather than simply reading from a script. We also appreciated the humor and found short stories with unexpected twists particularly engaging.

For future contests, we recommend paying close attention to sound levels, as some entries were difficult to hear. It is important for students to use Japanese that matches their proficiency level rather than relying on AI or translation software, which can result in overly complex language. Clear communication is key to conveying the message effectively. Additionally, smoother transitions between story elements would improve the overall flow, as some entries had abrupt changes or lacked logical progression. We also remind participants to adhere to the time limit, as exceeding it can lessen the impact of the video.

Overall, we were impressed by the creativity and enthusiasm of all participants, and we look forward to seeing their future works. We wish everyone the best of luck in next year’s contest!

どうもありがとうございました。