[Application period extended] We are looking for videos for the virtual open zone!

Kanagawa Prefecture is hosting a video contest called "Virtual Open Zone 2023" with a total prize pool of 1 million yen.
We are currently accepting video submissions from people all over Japan, covering all genres of cultural and artistic activities, including music, dance, street performance, and art, all under 5 minutes in length.

This year's video production theme is "Rediscovery."
Please create your artwork based on things you rediscovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, or things and experiences you rediscovered after overcoming the pandemic.

Recruitment details
[Eligibility] Open to all residents of the prefecture and beyond (professional/amateur, individual/group, age, and nationality are not considered).
*Applicants under 18 years of age must obtain parental consent before applying.
[Videos Wanted] Videos of all genres in culture and art (5 minutes or less)
Multiple entries are allowed.
[Examples of genres]
- Music, dance, street performance, art, photography, theater, etc. (See Q&A for details)
[Example video]
• Performance (musical performance, dance, recitation, choral singing, skits, etc.)
- Live production of art and other related materials
- Slideshow of still images such as paintings
[Virtual Open Zone Q&A] Click here
[Requirements for submitted videos] ① The video must be themed around "rediscovery".
② In principle, submissions must be limited to newly filmed works.
However, existing works are acceptable if they have been edited to conform to the theme and other application requirements.
③ Any shooting medium is acceptable (smartphones and other devices are also acceptable).
[Videos that are not eligible for submission] ① Videos that use works by others without permission, or that infringe on the copyrights, portrait rights, trademark rights, or ownership rights of third parties
Anything that infringes other rights
② Those whose primary purpose is the sale of manufactured goods, etc.
③ Content that defames or slanders a specific individual or group.
④ Acts that violate public order and morals or laws, violent or obscene expressions, claims that lead to discrimination, etc.
(Including unjust discriminatory remarks or actions against people of a particular ethnicity or nationality)
⑤ Applicants, etc., are members of organized crime groups (as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Act on Prevention of Unjust Acts by Members of Organized Crime Groups).
such as
⑥ Anything else that the "Virtual Open Zone Management Office" deems inappropriate

How to apply
[Application Period] From July 14th (Fri), 2023 to October 31st (Tue), 2023
[Application Details] Please fill in the required information using this application form.
For group applications, the representative should submit the application.
[Other] If you change your contact information or address after applying, please contact the Virtual Open Zone Management Office (Tel: 0570-015-070).
If your contact information is unknown due to relocation or other reasons, your application may be invalidated.

examination
The organizing committee will verify whether you meet the requirements outlined in these application guidelines. We may contact you to confirm details during the review process.
Entries that meet the application requirements will be judged comprehensively based on factors such as the number of views up to November 30th (Thursday) (the application deadline is September 30th (Saturday)), the message, and originality.
However, as a general rule, only videos with 500 or more views will be considered.

Prize money
① Total prize money: 1 million yen
1st place: 500,000 yen
2nd place: 200,000 yen
3rd place: 100,000 yen
Prefectural Citizen's Award: 50,000 yen
Special Jury Prize (3 winners): 50,000 yen each
*For entries submitted by a group, the prize money will be awarded to the group representative.
*Please note that after a rigorous selection process, there may be no entries that qualify for an award.
② Others
In addition, we plan to create sponsorship awards from our partner companies.

* Handling of prize money
If, after the prize money has been paid, it is discovered that the participant has violated the application guidelines, such as by making false declarations, the participant will be required to return the paid prize money.
* Public relations cooperation for the virtual open zone next year
You may be asked to cooperate with publicity efforts when the virtual open zone is implemented next year. Those selected will be contacted individually after the results are announced.

For more details about the virtual open zone, please check here .
Additionally, the " Virtual Open Zone YouTube Channel " features submissions from 2023 and past entries.