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Nikon announces the Nikon European Film Festival (12.09.2014)
Nikon today announces the inaugural Nikon European Film Festival in association with Raindance and Asia Argento. The contest challenges enthusiasts and film professionals alike to create a short film of up to 140 seconds in length around the theme ‘A Different Perspective’.
Every filmmaker can convey something different about the same experience. Within this theme entrants are asked to define perspective as a combination of their attitude towards a subject, their relationship to the story being told, and the physical position from which they observe it. Category awards include ‘Best Narrative’ - for the best story told from a unique perspective - and ‘Technical Excellence’ - for the most creative use of kit. The Grand Prix will go to an entry combining both. All awards will be judged by a jury chaired by Asia Argento best known for starring in and directing films such as Scarlet Diva (2000), The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) and more recently, Misunderstood (2014), selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Online submissions open on 1st October and run until 3rd December 2014.
Following the launch of flagship D-SLR products the Nikon D750 and Nikon D810 this year – increasingly used as broadcast standard equipment by professionals in the film industry - Dirk Jasper, Manager Professional Products at Nikon Europe commented “The Nikon European Film Festival is a great opportunity for budding and professional filmmakers to show off their talents and we’re really looking forward to seeing what can be achieved in 140 seconds. With a jury of industry experts on board and a ‘money can’t buy’ networking prize on offer to the Grand Prix winner, the competition presents an amazing platform for new film talent. We hope submissions will not only wow the jury, but inspire Nikon fans everywhere to shoot more video.”
Asia Argento, Chair of the Jury for the Nikon European Film Festival and award winning Italian actress and director commented “I’m thrilled to be part of the Nikon European Film Festival and look forward to judging the incredibly well-thought out creatives that the short, 140 second format demands. Modern technology has opened up filmmaking to more people than ever before and Nikon, inspiring established and breakthrough talents alike, is an increasingly influential part of this development.”
Raindance, the voice of independent film, is backing the festival and brings with it a wealth of expertise and experience. Film producer and founder of the Raindance Film Festival, Elliot Grove, comments “The theme ‘A Different Perspective’ breathes life into a format that we’re consistently surprised by and, from our perspective, few brands fit the ethos of the short film format as well as Nikon. Nikon is a household name that has played an important role in the evolution of imaging. Its commitment to producing kit that helps videographers bring their creative visions to the screen is one we’re proud to be associated with.”
Categories and prizes
The Grand Prix winner as selected by the judges will receive a Nikon D810 and an all-expenses-paid, one week networking trip to the Cannes Film Festival in May 2015 as the special guest of Raindance. A further two winners of the sub-categories ‘Best Narrative’ and ‘Technical Excellence’ will receive a Nikon D750 and 3,000EUR prize money, while the ‘Best Student Entry’ will receive a Nikon D750 and 2,000EUR prize money. The filmmaker behind the ‘Best Film as Voted for by the Public’ will receive a Nikon D750 to capture future projects.
Entry criteria
- All entrants must register to upload their film
- Films need to be in English or have English sub-titles
- Films should be no longer than 140 seconds and no shorter than 30 seconds
- All films to be shot in HD format
- One film per applicant
- Film cannot have won, or have previously been entered into other film competitions
- Open to all ages, under 16s to provide written consent on request
- Submissions can be shot on any device
- All winners to sign usage rights contract
- All entrants must agree to full terms and conditions regarding content restrictions (e.g. sexual scenes, violence, religion, trademarks, crime etc.)
