VIDEO MATSURI
STUDENT SHORT FILM CONTEST
VIDEO MATSURI ENTRY GUIDELINES
Please read the following guidelines before creating your entry. See also Video Making Tips, and Classroom Ideas.
Entries close September 26, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY
Entries must:
- be from current Australian and New Zealand students from primary to tertiary.
- be 3 minutes (including credits) or less for the Primary to Tertiary Divisions
- be 60 seconds or less for the Shorts Division
- contain mostly Japanese language script. English subtitles are recommended.
- include the signature item
DIVISIONS
- Primary
- Junior Secondary (Year 7 – 10)
- Senior Secondary (Year 11 – 12)
- Tertiary
- Shorts (open to all primary to tertiary levels)
Number of entries allowed: All divisions (incl. Shorts): no restrictions per institution
SIGNATURE ITEM
The signature item should appear somewhere as a prop, be mentioned verbally or in text on the screen, or somehow otherwise form part of the film. It does not need to be the theme of the story.
The signature item for 2025 is mirror (かがみ).
PRIZES
One winner from each division (Primary to Tertiary) will be chosen, with the possibility of two in the case of a tie in one of the divisions. Please note that prizes are subject to change.
Prizes will include trophies, certificates, Japan Foundation merchandise, Crunchyroll anime posters, Sugoi Co shop vouchers and tickets to Sugoi theatrical releases (thanks to the contest supporters) (TBC).
The Shorts Division winner will win a special prize.
All participants will be able to download a participation certificate.
Entry Permission
- School teachers must seek parental/guardian permission for any applicants under 18 years of age.
- All visually identifiable people who appear in the video must give their consent.
- Please follow your school’s own procedures for parental permission to enter the Video Matsuri Contest, or this form as a template or alternative if needed: permission form template
Copyright
Entrants are responsible for all copyright clearances for their entries.
Entry YouTube submission format
Upload your video entry to your own channel on YouTube.
- Name of Video: Video Matsuri 2025: Video title – School name(State/Territory ).
<E.g.> Video Matsuri 2025: Severus Snape’s Weekend – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft (NSW) - The description: Include details about your entry and the ideas behind your video such as film inspiration or other background information in the description.
- Privacy settings : Must be Unlisted (This means the video cannot be searched for or viewed without this specific link).
CONTEST RESULTS
Contest results will be announced on this page and also via J-Teacher and email in mid November 2025
