"Ginza" Seeks "Breaking the Mold" "Ginza Short Film Contest"
The Ginza Street Association (Chuo Ward, Tokyo), the Ginza International Luxury Committee (GILC) – an organization of 24 international luxury brands located on Ginza Chuo-dori and Harumi-dori – held a press conference on February 22 at Richemont Japan in Ginza 6-chome to announce the inaugural "Ginza Short Film Contest" (Sponsors: Taisei Corporation, The Asahi Shimbun Company, KIRARITO GINZA, Sapporo Holdings, Shiseido, Mizuho Bank, Mitsui Fudosan, Ricoh).
The contest invites submissions of approximately 5-minute video works from the general public, both professional and amateur. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries, including the Grand Prize. This marks the first video contest by Ginza, a district known for its cycle of tradition and innovation, to seek out new talent.
Shinichi Tanizawa, Chairman of the Ginza Commercial Association, stated regarding the contest, "Its purpose is to create new value for Ginza as a district and to foster deeper connections between the district and its people." He revealed the theme is "Breaking the Mold," noting its resonance with Ginza's history of blending tradition and innovation for development. He added that by adding new content to Ginza's appeal—its commercial culture and traditional performing arts—the district aims to project its culture to the world and into the future.
GILC (Ginza International Luxury Center) Representative Hitoshi Miki stated, "We expect new creativity born from Ginza, a place suited for luxury brands and business, to emerge into the world. While this call for entries is domestic, we eventually aim to expand it internationally to contribute to enhancing the district's image and development."
The contest judges include actor Tetsuya Bessho, representative of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (an Academy Award-recognized international short film festival), and film director Hiroyuki Nakano. They will be joined by Chairman Tanizawa, Representative Miki, and other members for the judging process.
Bessho commented, "I'm delighted that Ginza, this sophisticated city and place of aspiration, is focusing on short films. Short films are like a 'future map of cinema.' I look forward to judging works that are wildly imaginative and unconventional, not just breaking rules but hinting at new styles."
The submission deadline is April 26. Following the selection period, an awards ceremony will be held in late May. The total prize money is 3 million yen. The Grand Prize winner will receive 2 million yen, one of the highest amounts in domestic film contests, and their work will be screened at the "Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2019."
Official Website: http://www.ginza.jp/event/11620
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