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CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Japanese Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT:ASIA are excited to announce the fourth biennial University of Pittsburgh Japan Documentary Film Award. Inspired by the work of Soda Kazuhiro, the award celebrates contemporary films that explore Japanese culture in Japan and around the world. Films should focus on the geographic region of Japan, although topics could include contemporary or historical cultural or social phenomena, practices, or events. The award is available to films of all lengths, from all countries, and in all languages. One film will be selected as the winning entry and screened as part of a larger event. 

To apply:

Submit digital screener, with a production date of Jan 1, 2022 or later, along with your application materials and supplementary 1 page statement about the relationship of the submitted film to Japanese culture, to the University of Pittsburgh Japan Documentary Film Award's FilmFreeway site.

or
 

3 copies of the film in DVD format (region 1 or 0), and a supplementary 1 page statement about the relationship of the submitted film to Japanese culture, to

University of Pittsburgh Japan Documentary Film Award Committee
2735 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

*Note: digital submissions preferred.

Submission deadline of Friday, April 30, 2024 (mailed submissions must be postmarked by this date).

Rules and Terms

  1. Films must have been completed after Jan 1, 2022.
  2. Submissions can be in any language but must include English subtitles. 
  3. Submissions must include a 1-page supplementary statement describing how the film promotes the understanding of Japanese culture. 
  4. To receive the award, the winner(s) must be present at the celebratory screening in September 2024. Airfare and accommodations will be provided. 
  5. The University of Pittsburgh must be afforded the rights to screen the film for the public during the awards ceremony (September 2024).
  6. Submission gives University of Pittsburgh rights to publish stills from submitted films for promotional materials only. Films/artists will be credited.