Video Contest to Showcase Iwate's Charms, Applications Now Open for 4th Edition!

Lontra Inc., commissioned by Iwate Prefecture, will hold the "4th Misete Iwate Video Contest" to convey the charms of Iwate Prefecture through video.

In previous years, numerous wonderful works were submitted from within and outside the prefecture.

Following the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd editions, film director Keishi Otomo will serve as special judge, and video director Hideki Takahashi will be an ambassador and judge. Additionally, four groups of creators active at the forefront of the video industry will serve as judges.

The total prize money is 575,000 yen, with the Grand Prize winner in the Challenge Division (31 seconds to 3 minutes) receiving 150,000 yen, a trophy, and a certificate.

Furthermore, as a special prize, an interview with the winner will be featured in the professional video production magazine "Video Salon web." This contest is an excellent opportunity for future success.

Applications are open from July 3, 2026 (Fri) to November 2, 2026 (Mon). Winning works will be selected through judging by creators active at the forefront of the video industry. Selected works will be announced on the website in January 2027, with an awards ceremony in February of the same year.

1. Purpose

By holding a contest to solicit short video works that showcase the charms of Iwate Prefecture, we aim to expand the fan base of Iwate and encourage participation from video creators, thereby promoting the prefecture's culture and media arts. Through the submitted works, we will broadly disseminate the diverse charms of the prefecture, enhance its recognition, and expand its network of related individuals.

2. Contest Overview

Contest Name: 4th Misete Iwate Video Contest

Theme: "Who Will Showcase Iwate's Charms!?"

Theme Description: We are seeking videos that convey the charms of Iwate, including its nature, townscapes, food, lifestyle, craftsmanship, and traditional culture.

[Application Divisions]

1. Challenge Division: Videos between 31 seconds and 3 minutes long 2. Insta Division: Videos 30 seconds or shorter

[Submitted Works]

- Submitted works must be related to Iwate Prefecture.

- The method of expression (live-action, animation, CG, slides, etc.) is not specified.

- Works must be original creations by the applicant (excluding works that have won awards in other contests).

* Videos utilizing AI are also eligible for submission. However, they must be original works based on the creator's intent and must not infringe on any third-party rights.

* We may inquire about the use of AI from applicants during the judging period.

[Misete Iwate Video Contest Special Site]

https://miseteiwate.jp

3. Judges

[Special Judge]

Keishi Otomo / Film Director

Born in Morioka City in 1966. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University. Joined NHK in 1990, and after working at the Akita Broadcasting Station, studied in L.A. for two years from 1997, learning about screenwriting and video direction in Hollywood. Directed NHK dramas such as "Churasan," "Hagetaka," "Jiro Shirasu," and the Taiga drama "Ryomaden." Directed the film "Hagetaka" (09). Left NHK in April 2011 and established Keishi Otomo Office Inc. He has since worked on numerous hit productions.

Major Works: "Rurouni Kenshin" Series (5 films, 12-21), "Platinum Data" (13), "The Top Secret" (16), "Museum" (16), "March Comes In Like a Lion" (2 parts, 17), "A Shadow of My Love" (20), "The Legend & Butterfly" (23), Film "Treasure Island" (25), NETFLIX Film "10DANCE" (25)

[Ambassador and Judge]

Hideki Takahashi / Video Director

Born in Iwate Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Film, College of Art and Design, Nihon University. As an MV director, he has worked with a wide range of artists from THE YELLOW MONKEY to AKB48 and Nogizaka46. From 2012, he directed the documentary film "Documentary of AKB48" series for three consecutive installments. In 2020, he directed "The Truth Within: Documentary of Keyakizaka46."

His latest work includes episodes 3 and 4 of the Kansai TV drama "MADDER: The Case, I'm the Culprit."

[Judges]

Samuel Thomas / Creative Director

After serving as editor-in-chief of Fashion One's Tokyo bureau, a TV program broadcast in 120 countries from 2015-2016, he has been in charge of content production as Creative Director at Seto Corporation since 2016. He obtained his Master's degree from the University of Tokyo in 2017. He has worked as a producer on video production projects for government agencies such as the Cabinet Office. He has also been involved in writing and editing English manuscripts for the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Tourism Agency. He served as an advisor for Tokyo's overseas information dissemination project in Reiwa 5 and 6 (2023-2025). He contributed articles to The Japan Times from 2013 to 2023. He has been a part-time lecturer at Bunka Gakuen University since 2013.

Sibilla Patricia / Film Director and Photographer

A Tokyo-based, Emmy Award-winning film director and photographer. Her artistic approach is characterized by her unique aesthetic perspective, leveraging her fashion background to connect social themes with human stories. Her short documentary "Seeing Blue Beyond Color" (2025), which follows Japanese indigo dyers, was officially screened at Sheffield DocFest and Palm Springs, and received a special award at DOC NYC. It premiered at the Barbican Centre's film season in London in 2026. She won an Emmy Award in 2023 for VICE News' "The Dark Side of Manga." Her short documentary "Toma Unrestored" (2025) premiered on NOWNESS to critical acclaim.

Kiona / Multi-Creator and Producer

A multi-creator who works on genre-defying videos. She entered the entertainment industry after serving as manager for Tetsuya Takeda, and subsequently gained experience in various artist management and production roles.

She began her full-time career as a creator in 2021. She has produced video content for over 100 companies, both domestic and international, including Sony, Adobe, and Coca-Cola. In the four years since starting her activities, her SNS works have achieved a cumulative total of over 500 million views. Her total number of SNS followers exceeds 500,000.

She also produces creators such as CALEN (1 million total followers) and Natsuka (250,000 total followers).

[Achievements]

- Vertical Movie Award 2023, Runner-up Grand Prize - Asakusa Tourism Federation Video Contest 2021, Grand Prize

[Book]

"Conquer the World with Vertical Video: How to Capture Hearts with a Moment of Magic"

Norihiko / AI Creative Director

AI Creative Director. He combines generative AI and video production to plan and produce corporate commercials, music videos, and promotional videos. On YouTube, he shares practical know-how for AI video production.

He plans and manages AI video training, creator development, and AI video events.