Niseko Film Festival 2026
Presented by Niseko Shootout
Niseko Film Festival
is back and raising the bar once again!
Proudly sponsored by Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Powderlife and Rhythm Japan, this highly anticipated event is one of the highlights of Niseko’s winter season.
Why Enter?
Free registration for all filmmakers
A massive ¥500,000 cash prize pool, awarded to the top three films
The opportunity to have your film screened on the big screen in front of one of the largest live audiences of any winter event in Niseko
Winners will be judged and announced during the Niseko Film Festival on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
Entry Requirements
Registration is required (open until 18 March 2026)
Films must be 5 minutes or less
Films must include footage shot in and/or around the Shiribeshi region
Winter or summer films are welcome — skiing, snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, trekking, SUP and more
Whether your story captures deep winter powder turns or summer adventures under Mt. Yotei, we want to see your vision.
Check out the recap video from previous finale:
For inspiration check out previous entries HERE!
DON’T MISS OUT! ENTER YOUR FILM TODAY.
FAQ
What are the prizes?
🥇 ¥300,000 cash prize
🥈 ¥150,000 cash prize
🥉 ¥50,000 cash prize
🏆 Amazing ruffle prizes including: 2 night stay for 2 with breakfast at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, Hyatt Regency Bali, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, or Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.
What is the judging criteria?
Entrants will be judged by the below 5 criteria:
⏺ Niseko soul
⏺ Story telling
⏺ Innovation
⏺ Cinematography
⏺ Production & Editing
*Winning films will be selected by the Niseko Film Festival judges, and their decisions will be final and not subject to discussion.
How much will it be to enter the festival?
It is free to enter a film into the Niseko Film Festival.
Where/How do I enter?
Entrants must fill out the Niseko Film Festival registration form HERE.
When must I submit my entry by?
Entries must be received by 23:59 on 18 March 2026
How long can my film be?
Entries can be of any duration with a maximum run time of 5 minutes.
Does my film have to be about winter?
Films can showcase year-round scenery, not just winter.
What language can my film be in?
Films can be in any language, however, they must be accompanied by an English translation or have English and Japanese subtitles.
If the films contain words, captions are strongly recommended considering the native languages of the judges’ panel (English & Japanese).
What locations can be included?
Films must contain footage filmed in and/or around the Shiribeshi region.
Are there any restricted locations?
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.
What kind of music can I use?
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.
Do I retain copyright and ownership of my film?
Films entered will remain the property of the filmmakers. By entering the Niseko Film Festival, your film will be published online to the Niseko Shootout website, YouTube, and other SNS.
By entering, filmmakers give permission to the organizers of the Niseko Film Festival to screen this film in public as well as use short clips and stills of this film for promotion and publicity purposes.
The copyright and ownership of the film will remain with the filmmakers and entrants.
What else do I need to submit with my film?
Entrants are required to supply the following promotional materials:
⏺ 3 x still images
⏺ A 10-15 second teaser clip for the purpose of promoting the film and Niseko Film Festival
Terms & Conditions
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 organizers.
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.
Entrants are required to provide an HD high-resolution version of the film.
Means of submission will be discussed via email upon the entrant’s registration.