The ASEAN-Japan NEW GENERATION Short Film Award was launched in 2024 to share the diverse, heartfelt stories of people across ASEAN with audiences in Japan and beyond.

Now in its third year, the Award welcomes submissions from Japanese filmmakers for the first time. We are looking for films that spark connection — stories of individuals from ASEAN and Japan that bring us closer to one another and inspire us to build a future together.

Application Guidelines

By submitting an application, you agree to the terms outlined in these guidelines.

1. Application Theme: “Our Next Waypoint”

The theme of the award derives from the ASEAN theme of 2026 “Navigating Our Future, Together”. A waypoint is a point of arrival, a place for reflection, and a springboard for the next step. The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) invites the filmmakers to freely explore the theme and share their unique stories. 

2. Eligibility 

Nationality: Any citizen of the Member States of the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) is welcome to apply.

Member states include: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam

Age: If you are under 18, please apply with the consent of your guardian. 

3. Submission Format 

Format: YouTube link (unlisted or public) 

Length: 3 to 5 minutes (excluding credits) 

Genre: Non-documentary live-action short film (not animation or documentary) 

Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080px (landscape) 

Audio: Self-composed, copyright-free, or properly licensed music only

Language: If the spoken language is not English, please add English subtitles for the judging process. Winning films will be localised by the AJC with both English and Japanese subtitles. 

Restrictions on AI: Use of AI for audio/visual representation is strictly prohibited to align with the creative direction of the competition. Suspected use of AI for these purposes may disqualify the submission from the competition. However, AI use may be used to proofread scripts, subtitles, and translations.  

4. Application and Selection Schedule (JST)

The dates are according to Japan Standard Time (JST). 

Application Period: May 14^th, 2026 – July 20^th, 2026, 2359hrs 

Announcement of Winners: September 2026 

5．Application Method  

STEP 1: Prepare Your Short Film 

• Ensure all music used is self-composed, copyright-free, or properly licensed.
• Obtain permission for any people, buildings, or artworks that appear in your film. 

STEP 2: Complete and submit the application form

Please fill in the following fields and share your film via YouTube link. 

• YouTube link (Unlisted or public) 
• Title of the short film 
• Length of the film (excluding the credits)
• Concept
• Synopsis 
• Relevance to this year’s theme: Our Next Waypoint 
• Name, nationality, country of residence, and email address
• Your Instagram account (We may contact you through DM) 

6．Judging method and announcement of winners 

We value originality, energy, and a fresh perspective that moves people.

Judging: Submissions will go through multiple rounds of screening by the AJC and film professionals. Films will be evaluated primarily on their relevance to the theme and overall cinematic quality.

Notification: Winners will be contacted via email from the domain @asean.or.jp. We recommend checking your spam folder to ensure you don’t miss our message. Winning films will also be announced on the official ASEAN-Japan Centre Instagram (@aseanjapancentre_pr).

7．Prizes for Winners 

5 winning films will be selected in 2026.

Tokyo Invitation Programme: One representative per winning film will be invited to a 4-day, 3-night programme in Tokyo, including a screening event and a round table discussion. (TBC)

Official Publication: Winning films will be featured on the AJC’s official YouTube channel, website, and “ASEAN Short Film Collection Vol. 3.”

Certificate: Winners will receive a digital certificate and a portfolio emblem. 

8．Handling of Works

Winning works may be partially used in other videos created by the AJC. In such cases, the video may be edited as appropriate. In addition, they may be quoted or published on the AJC’s or its partners’ websites or social media accounts. 

9．Application Notes 

Music and Rights

• Music must be self-composed, copyright-free, or properly licensed. Please note that if your film wins, the AJC may replace the audio for editing purposes.
• Obtain prior permission for any people, buildings, or artworks featured in your film.
• Works that use third-party materials without permission, or that infringe on copyright or portrait rights, will be disqualified.
• The AJC is not responsible for any rights violations or disputes arising from submitted works. All such issues, including any associated costs, are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Data Management

• Please keep a backup of your film on your own device. If your film wins, you may be asked to submit a master file without subtitles.

Selection

• The following works are not eligible for selection:
  • Works that do not meet the application requirements
  • Works containing content deemed inappropriate by the AJC, including defamatory or offensive material
• If a guideline violation is discovered, the selection may be revoked even after winners are announced.
• Inquiries regarding selection results or criteria will not be answered.

Costs

• All costs incurred during the application process (e.g. filming, communication) are the responsibility of the applicant.

Application Form

Please click the button below to access the application form.

FAQ

Q. Is there a guideline for the music to be used in the film? 
A. Yes. Music must be self-composed, copyright-free, or properly licensed. Please note that if your film wins, the AJC may replace the audio for editing purposes.

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 and audio (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. Can we enter as a team? 
A. Absolutely yes! However, please note that in case of winning, only one representative per short film (the filmmaker) will be invited to the programme in Japan. 

Q: My film is in 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio. Can I still submit?
A: Yes, 4:3 submissions are accepted. While we recommend 1920×1080px (16:9) for the best viewing experience, submissions are viewed via YouTube, which will display non-16:9 films with black bars on the sides. This will not affect your eligibility.