FALL IN LOVE WITH US, FALL IN LOVE WITH ME.
Impress the young people of Japan with your creative sense!
The winner of the most popular film (decided by young Japanese people who like films) will win a 4D3N trip for one (ticket & lodging) to Tokyo, Japan.
Event Outline
The AJC is looking for creative works imbued with your personal touch to deliver the stories of ASEAN to the Japanese population.
Japan and ASEAN have had a long history of friendship and cooperation, with 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation. Moving forward, the AJC aims to continue to build on this relationship by deepening our understanding of ASEAN and its 10 Member States and their people.
The winner of our “ASEAN NEW GENERATION” SHORT FILM AWARD, will be an original work incorporating your perspectives, thoughts, and ideas that will convey the deeper charms of ASEAN people to the Japanese people.
Together, let’s unveil a side of ASEAN that the Japanese population have yet to see!
*This campaign is open to any professional or aspiring filmmaker of ASEAN nationality.
Check out last year’s winners work for your reference!
Expected Submissions
The AJC is hoping to bring to the Japanese population a more emotive narrative, showcasing an aspect of life in the ASEAN region that will inspire them to want to know more about its individual countries and people.
To allow time for storytelling, the AJC is looking for short films of 2-3 minutes long.
Application Guidelines
Please read the following application guidelines before applying for the campaign ‘ASEAN NEW GENERATION SHORT FILM AWARD’ organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (hereinafter referred to as “the AJC”). By applying for this campaign, you are deemed to have agreed to these guidelines. Please only apply if you agree to the contents of these guidelines.
Application Theme
“I Belong”
The theme aligns with the ASEAN theme 2025: “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Share your story — drawn from your experience, your community, your culture — that reflect the theme “I Belong.” Express your thoughts and creativity to the fullest.
Eligibility
Anyone of ASEAN nationality, whether professional or aspiring, can apply. If you are under 18, please apply with the consent of your guardian.
Submission Format
Format: mp4 or mov
Length: 2 to 3 minutes excluding the credits
Genre: Non-documentary live-action short film (not animation or documentary)
Recommended Resolution: 1920×1080px (Horizontal)
Audio: Self-composed, copyright-free music, or purchased music with full copyright. (However, please note that if you win the award, the audio might be replaced by the AJC.)
Language: If it’s in languages other than English, please add English subtitles. We’ll add Japanese subtitles to the winning films!
Application and Selection Schedule
The dates are according to the Japan time.
Application Period: May 13, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Announcement of Winners: October 2025
Application Method
1. Create a Video
Please note the following when creating a video:
- The music used in the submitted work must be limited to copyright-free music.
- If people, buildings, illustrations, paintings, or art appear in the video, please obtain permission for use.
- Be sure to save the submitted video on your own device (PC, smartphone, etc.).
- Please note that if you win an award, the audio might be replaced by the AJC and we may ask for the video without subtitles for editing purposes.
2. Submit the Application Form
Please fill in the required information on the application form and upload the video file.
- Link to the video (Please upload the video on YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive etc.)
- Title
- Length of the film excluding the credits
- Description of the concept behind the video
- Summary of the film
- Relation to the theme
- Your name
- Your nationality
- Country of residence
- Email address
- Your Instagram account (We may contact you through DM)
Judging method and announcement of winners
We value originality, energy, and fresh sensibility that move people’s hearts.
We will contact you if you win through an email from an address with the domain of @asean.or.jp. Please be sure to check your spam inbox or change the settings to ensure that you do not miss our email.
- After the video submissions are completed, young Japanese people who like films, the AJC, and the judges from a visual communications company, amana inc. will select the winners.
- The most popular film award will be selected by the young Japanese people who like films.
- The winning videos will be published on the official ASEAN-Japan Centre Instagram.
Prizes for Winners
The winner with the most popular film (decided by young Japanese people) (1 person)
- 4D3N trip to Tokyo, Japan from your country. (Round trip air ticket, accommodation for 3 nights, and insurance for one film maker. Other expenses, such as transportation within Japan, are the responsibility of the individual.)
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Winners (5 people)
- Your full video will be featured on the AJC’s official YouTube channel and official website.
- Your film will be part of the “ASEAN Short Film Collection Vol. 2” by the AJC following the Vol. 1 produced in 2024. A promotional video of the collection will be produced and shown at different occasions through the AJC to a wide public in Japan.
- Certificate (PDF)
Handling of Works
Winning works may be partially used in other videos created by the ASEAN-Japan Centre. In such cases, the video may be edited as appropriate, so please be aware of this in advance. In addition, they may be quoted or published on the AJC’s or its partners’ websites or social media.
Application Notes
- Music used in entries must be limited to self-composed, copyright-free or purchased music with full copyright. However, please note that if you win an award, the audio might be replaced by the AJC for editing purpose.
- Be sure to save the submitted video on your own device (PC, smartphone, etc.).
- Please review the application requirements and submit your work accordingly. Works that do not meet the requirements will not be eligible for selection. Also, the following types of work are not eligible for selection. Please note this in advance.
- Works that do not conform to the application guidelines
- Works that include people or buildings without obtaining their prior permission
- Works that use part of another person’s work or infringe on third-party copyright, portrait rights, etc.
- Works deemed inappropriate by the AJC, such as slander or content that violates public order and morals.
- If there is a violation of the application guidelines, your selection may be canceled.
- The AJC is not responsible for any rights violations or other issues that may arise within the submitted work; the applicant must address all such issues, including any related costs.
- All costs incurred in applying must be borne by the applicant.
- No responses will be provided to inquiries regarding the selection results or criteria after submission.
FAQ
Q. Is there a guideline for the music to be used in the film?
A. Yes. Music used in entries must be limited to self-composed, copyright-free or purchased music with full copyright.
Q. Can I use AI to produce the film?
A. AI can be used for support tasks like subtitles, grammar, or scriptwriting guidance, and voiceovers. However, using AI-generated graphics (we are not accepting animation) or relying heavily on AI for creative content is discouraged as we believe the story should come from genuine human experience or emotion and we want to hear “your” voice.
Q. Will there be more prizes for the winners?
A. We might be adding more later! Please stay in touch with us on our Instagram (@aseanjapancentre_pr)!
