The new event arises from COVID-19 crisis and showcases the unique spirit of Niseko to the audience around the world.
The Niseko Shootout organisers have done it again! The third annual Niseko Shootout Short Film Festival was projected on a 10m x 8m screen made of snow by local volunteers and was also broadcast internationally via YouTube Live on Saturday night, March 13th, 2021.
In all, there were 20 films entered from all over the world including U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Estonia, France, Scotland, etc and 18 films were shown during the fun-filled 2hr show hosted by Niseko Tourism Director John Barton and DMO Assistant Lily Vivas. Local filmers, judges, media and winners were able to join as guests, carpool style and shared their experience with the audience.
Only a limited number of people and cars were able to attend due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Over 120 live viewers joined the event online during the night and over 1300 viewers have rewatched of the show since it aired.
The Niseko Shootout is now officially partnered with the Mountain Film Awards at Tigne, Verbier and Morzine. The winners and a few special films will be handpicked by Mountain Film Awards organizers and will be showcased on their website.
This year’s winning film was “What’s Your Name in Japan”, a 5-minute-long film directed by Julien Mazard showcasing all the excitement Japan has to offer: driving Mario kart on the street in Tokyo or dressed up as “Powder” Rangers and riding the Niseko Powder.
Taking second place was “Meaning of Snow” by Erica Tripp.
And in third place was “I am Niseko” by Darren Teasdale & Elsie Nielson from Niseko Photography.
The live show and all the films can be watched on the Niseko Tourism YouTube channel.
The Niseko Shootout Photography competition winners were also announced during the live event. The contest is a season long photography competition with entries made via the hashtag #nisekoshootout on Instagram. This winter there were over 1,200 photo entries in the three categories – Ski, Snowboard, Landscape.
2020-21 Niseko Shootout Winners (View all photos on Nisekoshoot Instagram)
| Skiing Category | Snowboarding Category | Landscape Category |
| 1st Place:@alister.buckingham | 1st Place:@vivividedede | 1st Place: @thejameswinfield |
| 2nd Place: @mac_jp | 2nd Place: @toshi_pander | 2nd Place: @rujigallery |
| 3rd Place: @ruairidhs | 3rd Place: @96_taka | 3rd Place: @applejak_jo |
1st Place Landscape
@thejameswinfield
1st Place Skiing
@alister.buckingham
1st Place Snowboarding
@vivividedede
Make sure to follow Niseko Shootout Instagram Account & Niseko Tourism SNS Platforms (Facebook, Instagram & YouTube) to find out more about the Niseko Shootout Summer contest.
Thanks again to all our sponsors & partners and until next year!
Sponsors/Partners: Niseko United, Powderlife ,Roko Skis, Gentemstick, Oyuki Japan, Rhythm Japan, Niseko 343, Boots Solution, Yama Plus, Iwanai Resort & Icelandic Skis
