Video Matsuri Contest
 

Contest Rules
 
1) Deadline
The deadline for entries is 5pm AEST 30 September 2012. At this time, the online application process will cease to function. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.
 
2) Time limit
Video entries must adhere to the guideline maximum of 3 minutes including credits. This condition applies equally to all entries, and we must be very strict about this rule to ensure fairness. Entries will be judged based on the first 3 minutes only. Entries that exceed the time limit cannot be considered as winning entries for the Video Matsuri contest. There is no minimum length specified for Video Matsuri Contest entries.
 
3) Consent
By completing the online application form, you acknowledge that you have obtained consent from EVERY person who is visually identifiable in the video. In obtaining consent, the intended use of the video must be understood, including the fact that the video may be made available online to the public.
 
4) Entry form
To successfully enter the Video Matsuri contest, a video submission must be accompanied by the Video Matsuri online application form. Applicants who are under 18 years of age must have the form submitted on their behalf by their teacher, parent or legal guardian. Teachers may only complete the form on the condition that they have sought written consent from the parent or guardian of any students appearing in the video.
 
5) Contest Divisions

The Video Matsuri Contest has four divisions as follows:

  • Primary
  • Junior Secondary
  • Senior Secondary
  • Tertiary
6) Production
There are no restrictions on theme or style, but all works must include Japanese language.
 
7) Number of submissions
You may enter the Video Matsuri Contest with as many submissions as you like, however we do not accept entries that have already been submitted in previous years' contests. You cannot enter and win more than one Japan Foundation contest with the same submission.
 
8) Copyright
All music and images used must be accompanied with the appropriate permissions and clearances. All music and images must be original, permitted or Copyright-free. The entrant is responsible for ensuring that the film does not infringe the rights, including but not limited to, copyright or intellectual property etc. of another person, group or entity. All music and images used MUST be credited/acknowledged when filling out the registration form. Please see “Video Making Tips” for more information about Copyright.

All entrants must ensure that there are no corporate logos shown during the video. This includes anyone wearing and/or displaying corporate logos. Entrants are advised to remove or obscure labels/brand names from any commercial products used in their videos. (School logos on uniforms are exempt from this condition). The entrant retains copyright over their work, but by entering the Video Matsuri Contest, the entrant grants permission to The Japan Foundation, Sydney to reproduce the video on any Japan Foundation websites, to use the video for instructional purposes, and to screen entries for public viewing and promotional purposes.
 
9) Format (File type)

Videos must be uploaded as Flash Video File (.flv) less than 25Mb in size. The size limit of 25Mb strictly applies, which is more than sufficient for a good quality web video of 3 minutes length. Videos that do not comply with this format will not be accepted for the Video Matsuri Contest.

UPDATE - Competition organizers have decided to allow other file formats and sizes as some people have had difficulty converting files. You will now have two options.

  1. If sending by upload – You will still need to convert your file to reduce the size of your video, however you may now use either .flv or .mp4 formats. A file size of approximately 25Mb is recommended.

  2. If sending by post – Converting to .flv is no longer compulsorily if submitting by post. If your file fits on a DVD we will be able to convert files on your behalf.

NOTE: We have now added some further instructions on how to convert video files for both PC and Mac.
 
10) Format (Aspect Ratio)
In order to display properly on our website, videos should  be saved in 16:9 format. We will accept videos shot in 4:3 format, but this will result in black columns on either side of the video when displayed on our website. Formats other than 16:9 or 4:3 will appear distorted and/or stretched and so it is advised to avoid other formats for your entries. For more information about aspect ratio, please see the “Video Making Tips” page.
 
11) Eligibility
Entrants must be Australian or New Zealand residents.
 
12) General
Only entries that have complied with all the above rules will be considered as entrants in the contest. Due to the volume of entries we are unable to contact applicants and ask them to make changes to comply with the rules – so please ensure you have read and understood these rules.