Make a new film out of footage sitting on your camcorder or flash drive!

Due to limited numbers of videographers and filmmakers in Niseko this winter, organisers of the Niseko Shootout Short Film Festival are opening a potential Pandora’s box.

The Shootout team is reaching out around the world to ask professional and would-be film makers to help boost this year’s Short Film Fest with a retrospective Niseko cut.

As long as it is within five minutes, anything goes in this year’s Shootout format – just make sure it’s got plenty of Niseko soul!

Dig out your old footage – the older the better – and craft a cut that sings to a nostalgic Niseko audience in this time when we’re all dreaming of years gone by.

Registration and entry are free.

For inspiration check out last year’s entries HERE.

The Niseko Shootout Film Festival is the grand finale to this year’s Niseko Shootout series.

Finalists’ films will be shown on a big screen on Saturday, March 6. MORE DETAILS on the 2020-21 Short Film Festival actual event will be announced soon. Make sure to check out our WHAT’S ON section.

Winners will be judged and awarded on the night, along with the winners of the #NisekoShootout Instagram Contest.

JPY250,000 in cash and seriously cool prizes including 2021-22 Niseko United All SEASON Pass Roko skis and a Gentemstick snowboard are up for grabs.

Registration is free and simple Just submit the registration form; open from now until March 1st, 2021.

Prizes

  • Palm d’Powder: ¥120,000 cash prize
  • Runner Up: ¥80,000 cash prize
  • Second Runner Up: ¥50,000 cash prize

Judging Criteria

• Niseko soul

• Story telling

• Innovation

• Cinematography

• Production & Editing

*The Niseko Shootout jury will select the winning films and no discussion into the final decision will be entered into.

*The entrant acknowledges and agrees that all matters not covered by these guidelines, and questions arising from them, will be decided at the sole discretion of Niseko Shootout organisers.

The is year the Niseko Shootoout is partnering with the European – based Mountain Film Awards. Winning films will be featured on their website alongside other great films from Morzine, Tigner and Verbier.

Niseko Shootout Short Film Festival Guidelines:

Registration is free.

Entrants must fill out the Niseko Shootout Short Film Fest Entry Form by March 1st, 2021.

Films must be submitted by March 1st, 2021.

Entries can be of any duration – max 5 minutes.

Films can showcase year-round scenery, not just winter only.

Foreign language films must be accompanied by an English translation or have English subtitles.

Films must contain footage filmed in and/or around Shiribeshi region.

Films must not depict scenes of action deemed illegal by Japanese law. This includes, but is not limited to trespassing and the damage of public/private property, i.e. Avalanche barriers, rails, public/private structure, etc.

If the films contain words, captions are strongly recommended considering the native languages of the judges panel (English & Japanese).

Entrants are responsible for ensuring films have all music (festival rights) and talent permissions required for public display. Please submit relevant documentation with your film entry.

Entrants are required to supply promotional materials: 3x still images and a 10-15 second teaser clip for the purpose of promoting the film and film fest.

Entrants will be judged by the below 5 criteria:

  • Niseko soul
  • Story telling
  • Innovation
  • Cinematography
  • Production & Editing

*The Niseko Shootout jury will select the winning films and no discussion into the final decision will be entered into.

*The entrant acknowledges and agrees that all matters not covered by these guidelines, and questions arising from them, will be decided at the sole discretion of Niseko Shootout organisers.

There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners only. Each winner can come from any category. For Example: All winners can come from 1 category.

Technical Requirements:

Entrants are required to provide an HD high-resolution version of the film.

Means of submission will be discussed via email upon entrant’s registration.