Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026 to be Held

The Gunma Prefectural Government and Vook Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shuntaro Okamoto; hereinafter referred to as Vook) will hold the "Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026," a short film competition organized by Gunma Prefecture, with the aim of discovering creators who will lead the next generation in the field of video and promoting the appeal of the region.

This competition aims to foster next-generation video creators and promote the appeal of Gunma Prefecture through the production of story-driven short films shot in or set in Gunma Prefecture.

The "Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2025," held last year, received over 290 entries from across the country, more than double the number of entries from the previous year, and was met with a great response.

This year, we are seeking story-driven video works ranging from 3 to 20 minutes in length, shot in or set in Gunma Prefecture. Nine selected teams will receive production funding of 1 million yen (tax included). Additionally, those who pass the planning review will receive support to aid in their production, such as production advice, location scouting assistance, and filming permit support.

A premiere screening and awards ceremony for the works produced by the nine creators are scheduled to be held in March 2027 (planned). At the awards ceremony, the most outstanding work will be honored with the Grand Prize, and the Grand Prize winner will receive 1 million yen in prize money.

We aim to create new video works set in Gunma Prefecture and discover next-generation creators who will make their mark on the world.

Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026 Announcement

What is the Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition?

Gunma Prefecture aims to become a "source of creative expression" as one of its future initiatives and is working to build an environment (ecosystem) where creators and creative companies can continue to thrive.

To achieve this, the "Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition," a short film competition set in or shot in Gunma Prefecture, will be held again this year, following last year's event, with the concept of "From the World to Gunma, From Gunma to the World!"

Through this competition, we aim to promote the development and concentration of video creators by providing opportunities for video creators to advance their careers and a place for them to network, as well as by building relationships with Gunma Prefecture.

Application Overview

Title

Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition "Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition 2026"

Contest Overview

This is a short film competition set in or shot in Gunma Prefecture. Short films must meet the following criteria:

(1) A short film with a story, between 3 and 20 minutes in length (*1).

(2) Incorporate the appeal of Gunma Prefecture as an essence (*2) and be filmed within Gunma Prefecture.

(3) The theme is open.

*1: Must be a work with characters and a story.

*2: The interpretation of Gunma Prefecture's appeal and how it is reflected in the work is free. Do not create a simple tourism PR video for Gunma Prefecture.

Judging and Selection

1 Planning Review: Based on the submitted applications, the short film proposals will be reviewed, and 9 creator teams will be selected.

2 Work Review: The 9 teams selected from the planning review will be required to produce their works by the end of January 2027.

Planning Application Period

July 2, 2026 (Thu) - July 26, 2026 (Sun) 23:59 Deadline

Production Funding

1,000,000 yen (tax included) / team

Deliverables

Main film (3-20 minutes), trailer, key visual

Grand Prize Announcement

March 2027 (at the awards ceremony)

*Please check the application guidelines for details.

Project Features

Project Features

Production funding of 1,000,000 yen provided

1,000,000 yen (tax included) will be provided as production funding for the "Work Review." The funds can be freely used for necessary processes such as location scouting, casting, equipment rental, and post-production. Gunma Prefecture supports the dreams of video creators who traditionally produce their works at their own expense.

Support for Production and Location Coordination The secretariat and Gunma Prefecture will support the video production of the 9 creator teams that pass the planning review.

Specifically, we will provide study sessions, production support for works, location scouting assistance, and filming permit support, with an eye toward entry into international film festivals.

Premiere Screening of Completed Works After the works are completed, a premiere screening and awards ceremony will be held. At the awards ceremony, the most outstanding work selected by the judges will be honored with the Grand Prize, and the Grand Prize winner will receive 1 million yen in prize money. Furthermore, opportunities will be provided for the completed works to receive direct feedback from the judges.

Chief Judge

Eiji Okuda, Actor/Film Director

Eiji Okuda, Actor/Film Director

Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1950. Made his starring debut in the film "Motto Shinayaka ni Motto Shitabaka ni" in 1979. Received the Mainichi Film Award for Best Actor for "The Sea and Poison" in 1986 and the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor for "Sen no Rikyu" in 1989. Won 8 Best Actor awards, including the Kinema Junpo and Blue Ribbon Awards, for "The Bar of Grief" in 1994.

Recent appearances include the NHK morning drama "Ranman" (2023), the film "Kakushigoto" (2024, directed by Kosai Sekine), and the TBS Tuesday drama "Madoka, 26 Years Old, Doing an Internship!" (January 2025).

Comment from the Governor of Gunma Prefecture

Ichita Yamamoto, Governor of Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture has set "source of creative expression" as one of its future initiatives and is working to support video production and nurture talent within the prefecture. As part of this effort, the Gunma Next Generation Filmmaker Competition will be held again this year.

Through this competition, Gunma Prefecture supports creators in realizing their dreams of producing video works by providing production funding, as well as support for filming and production advice from the secretariat.

We encourage many creators with a strong will and passion, such as "I want to become a film director. I want many people to see my films," to apply and challenge themselves to create compelling works set in Gunma Prefecture.

How to Apply

Access the entry form on the official website (https://gngfc2026.pref.gunma.jp/).

Complete the dedicated application form and submit the video proposal sheet online.

Application and Judging Process

Application and Judging Process

Overview of Vook Inc.

An impact startup that supports video creators with the vision of "Making Video Creators Invincible." Centered around "Vook," one of Japan's largest media platforms specializing in video production, the company develops educational, career, and video utilization support businesses. Through supporting video creators, it aims to bring about change in the video industry and create an environment where video creators can thrive.

Representative: Shuntaro Okamoto, Representative Director

Location: 5-2-33-1111 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Established: January 2012

Business Overview:

- Operation of "Vook" (https://vook.vc/), one of Japan's largest video production tips sites

- Operation of "Vook school" (https://school.vook.vc/), a training service for video creators

- Operation of "Vook Career" (http://career.vook.vc/), a job placement service for video creators