Japan Prize 2021 winners

Japan Prize 2021 received 267 entries for Audiovisual Works and Proposal Pitch from 48 countries and regions in the world.

Annual Report 2021
The trophy

The Grand Prix Japan Prize 2021

Play
Title
I am Greta
Organization
B-Reel Films
Hulu
Westdeutscher Rundfunk
Sudwestrundfunk
Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg
SVT
BBC Storyville
Country/Region
Sweden
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Media
TV
Duration
90’32”
Finalist
Nathan Grossman

Director

Nathan Grossman

Audiovisual Works: The Best Work in Each Division

The Best Work in the Pre-school Division
(The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Prize)

Play
Title
What’s On Your Head?
Barrister
Organization
Gold Wala
Country/Region
United Kingdom
Media
TV
Duration
5’22”
Finalist
Faraz Osman

Managing Director

Faraz Osman

The Best Work in the Primary Division
(The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize)

Play
Title
Talking Heads - Season 2
Marie Claire, Sven, Jairo & Betiel
Organization
Keplerfilm
Country/Region
Netherlands
Media
TV
Duration
15’00”

The Best Work in the Youth Division
(The Minister for Foreign Affairs Prize)

Play
Title
I am Greta
Organization
B-Reel Films
Hulu
Westdeutscher Rundfunk
Sudwestrundfunk
Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg
SVT
BBC Storyville
Country/Region
Sweden
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Media
TV
Duration
90’32”
Finalist
Nathan Grossman

Director

Nathan Grossman

The Best Work in the Lifelong Learning Division
(The Governor of Tokyo Prize)

Play
Title
VIRAL
Organization
beetz brothers film production
udiVsagi
Country/Region
Germany
Israel
Media
Film
Duration
85’00”
Finalist
Udi Nir

Co-director/
Producer

Udi Nir

Sagi Bornsetein

Co-director/
Producer

Sagi Bornsetein

The Best Work in the Digital Media Division
(The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize)

Play
Title
Mission US: Prisoner in My Homeland
Organization
The WNET Group
Country/Region
United States
Media
Web Game

Audiovisual Works: Special Prizes

The Japan Foundation President’s Prize
An excellent work that encourages mutual understanding among nations and races or contributes to cultural exchange

Play
Title
Passage to Europe
Organization
KOUZI PRODUCTIONS
Country/Region
Greece
Media
Film
Duration
48’47”
Finalist
Dimitra Kouzi

Director/Producer

Dimitra Kouzi

The UNICEF Prize
An excellent work that promotes understanding of the lives of children in difficult situations

Play
Title
Bullet-laced Dreams
Organization
Brigade Productions
If/Then Short Documentary Program
In-Docs
Tribeca Film Institute
Country/Region
Philippines
United States
Indonesia
Media
Film
Duration
29’28”
Finalist
Kristoffer G. Brugada

Co-Director/
Co-Producer

Kristoffer G.
Brugada

Charena Escala

Co-Director/
Co-Producer

Charena Escala

The SDGs Prize
An excellent work that inspires viewers to take action and contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Play
Title
The Ugly Side Of Beauty
Organization
The Moving Visuals Co.
Country/Region
Singapore
Media
TV
Duration
47’55”
Finalist
Sumitra Gopal

Producer/
Writer

Sumitra Gopal

Galen Yeo

Creative Director

Galen Yeo

Deepak Bara

Producer

Deepak Bara

Proposal Pitch: The Best Proposal

The Hoso Bunka Foundation Prize

Rainbowflower: My School of the future
Title
Rainbowflower:
My School of the future
Target
Children
Organization
TINAMU FILMS
Country/Region
Ecuador

Proposal Pitch: Excellent Proposal

The National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan Prize

Speak out yourself-The abuse we’re not talking about
Title
Speak out yourself
-The abuse we’re not talking about
Target
Teens
Organization
Dhrupad Communication - Media for Education and Development
Country/Region
Bangladesh

Runners-up (Audiovisual Works)

Pre-school Division

Play

First Runner-up

Title
The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special
Organization
Sesame Workshop
Country/Region
United States
Finalist
Chuck Vinson

Co-director

Chuck Vinson

Alan Muraoka

Co-director

Alan Muraoka

Play

Second Runner-up

Title
Shimajiro: A World of WOW!
Our Oceans
Organization
Benesse Corporation
TV Setouchi Broadcasting
The Answerstudio Co., Ltd.
Dash Co., Ltd.
Country/Region
Japan
Finalist
Aochi Ai

Producer

Aochi Ai

Primary Division

Play

First Runner-up

Title
The Anne Frank Video Diary
Hell on Earth
Organization
NTR (NPS/Teleac/RVU)
Country/Region
Netherlands
Finalist
Tim Vloothuis

Producer

Tim Vloothuis

Play

Second Runner-up

Title
Awesome Homework
Shinsuke Yoshitake
Organization
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Country/Region
Japan
Finalist
Kakinuma Midori

Director

Kakinuma Midori

Youth Division

Play

First Runner-up

Title
Teenage Boss
Episode 1 - Latifa
Organization
McAvoy Media
Country/Region
Australia
Finalist
John McAvoy

Producer

John McAvoy

Play

Second Runner-up

Title
It was not supposed to happen
The sex tape
Organization
Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Norway
Finalist
Lydia Gieselmann

Presenter

Lydia Gieselmann

Lifelong Learning Division

Play

First Runner-up

Title
Scars
Organization
Zadig Productions
Country/Region
France
Finalist
Didier Cros

Director

Didier Cros

Play

Second Runner-up

Title
Us Kids
Organization
Hard Working Movies
Country/Region
United States
Finalist
Kim Snyder

Director

Kim Snyder

Digital Media Division

Play

Runner-up

Title
MYRIAD. Where we connect. | VR Experience
Organization
Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH
Country/Region
Germany

Pre-school Division

Entry No. I-002

Play
Title
The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special
Entering Organization
Sesame Workshop
Country/Region
United States
Media
TV
Finalist
Chuck Vinson

Co-director

Chuck Vinson

Alan Muraoka

Co-director

Alan Muraoka

Everyone's favorite furry red monster is back with a brand-new special to teach us the importance of standing up and speaking out when people are treated unfairly. Current and former Sesame Street human cast members take part in the special with two new songs alongside celebrity and musical guests Yara Shahidi, Christopher Jackson, and Andra Day.

Entry No. I-005

Play
Title
Pip and Posy
Silly Hats
Entering Organization
Magic Light Pictures
Country/Region
United Kingdom
Media
TV
Finalist
Jeroen Jaspaert

Showrunner

Jeroen Jaspaert

Pip and Posy have fun making silly hats and pinkie promise one another to wear them to the park. Pip feels self-conscious but he wears it anyway because he promised Posy. However when he arrives at the park, Posy isn’t wearing her silly hat! Now Posy has to fix her broken promise.

Entry No. I-007

Play
Title
PATCHWORK PALS
PATCHWORK TIGER
Entering Organization
Studio FILM BILDER GmbH
Country/Region
Germany
Media
TV
Finalist
Angela Steffen

Director/Creator

Angela Steffen

Patchwork Tiger has a problem: He wants to play "Boo", but the Patchwork Pals don't want to. Will the Tiger find someone to play with?

Entry No. I-010

Play
Title
Bo Bear's detective agency
E01 THE MOVING BOX
Entering Organization
Spark
Country/Region
Norway
Media
TV
Finalist
Nils Stokke

Producer

Nils Stokke

Bo Bear runs a detective agency which solves big and small mysteries together with the kids. When something vanish, when strange noises appear, or when items are moved around for no obvious reason, Bo Bear’s detective agency steps in with one goal in mind; to solve the mystery!

Entry No. I-014

Play
Title
Dino Dana The Movie
Entering Organization
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Country/Region
Canada
Media
Film
Finalist
J.J. Johnson

Director/
Co-writer/
Producer

J.J. Johnson

Dino Dana: The Movie is an action-packed dinosaur adventure. 10-year-old Dana's new neighbour Mateo finds her magical Dino Field Guide, which allows him to see dinosaurs in real life too. This discovery kicks off a prehistoric journey bigger than anything Dana has faced before. Along the way, Dana and her friends come to realize that family is the most important quest of all.

Entry No. I-017

Play
Title
The Mini Kids
Episode 3 (season 2)
Entering Organization
Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Norway
Media
TV
Finalist
Knut Næsheim

Director

Knut Næsheim

Maria Grande

Executive Producer

Maria Grande

In this episode Fantus invites the viewer to a game of peekaboo. The Mini Kids are visited by a hen. Trygve and Edvard experience how the wind makes their windmills spin. Fantus helps a polar bear cub find his mother and The Mini Kids name different body parts and moves in their Dance-song.

Entry No. I-021

Play
Title
Storytime with sound effects 2T
There's Nothing Wrong with Being a Foreigner
Entering Organization
Cuentazos con Efectazos
Country/Region
Colombia
Media
TV
Finalist
Dafna Vallejo

Director

Dafna Vallejo

Aseneth Suarez

Creative Producer

Aseneth Suarez

A child makes new friends who teach him to play baseball at the local park. However, the boy's brother and his friends say they don't want to play with "foreigners", so he invites his uncle instead. That's how he learns that his uncle was born in another country, too. In the end, everyone wants to participate in the fun and discovery of learning a new game and making new friends.

Entry No. I-025

Play
Title
Beestenbrigade
Entering Organization
KRO-NCRV
Country/Region
Netherlands
Media
TV
Finalist
Lyda van Westen

Editor in Chief

Lyda van Westen

The TV series Beestenbrigade is a cheerful and educational television programme for toddlers that focuses on caring for animals and nature. Each episode, Ranger Tim and his brigade go on a mission to lend nature a hand. In addition, children say something about their pets, and videos about fun animal facts are shown.

Entry No. I-036

Play
Title
Tish Tash
Not My Birthday / Never-Ending Questions
Entering Organization
Korea Educational Broadcasting System
Country/Region
Republic of Korea
Media
TV
Finalist
Chang Hwan Shin

Director/
Executive Producer

Chang Hwan Shin

Tish is a young girl with immense imagination. Tash is her imaginary friend. Join Tish and Tash to embark on imaginative adventures and see how their creative angle solves problems that life throws at them. In 'Not My Birthday', the first part of the episode, Tish attends Tobby's birthday party. 'Never-Ending Questions' is about Tish's endless curiosity.

Entry No. I-038

Play
Title
Shimajiro: A World of WOW!
Our Oceans
Entering Organization
Benesse Corporation
Country/Region
Japan
Media
TV
Finalist
Aochi Ai

Producer

Aochi Ai

As citizens of the earth, we teach children from a young age the importance of social issues. One example is the urgency to protect our global environment. This episode focuses on ocean conservation because people are kept alive by the ocean and our daily lives and all forms of life are connected by the ocean.

Entry No. I-040

Play
Title
What's On Your Head?
Barrister
Entering Organization
Gold Wala
Country/Region
United Kingdom
Media
TV
Finalist
Faraz Osman

Managing Director

Faraz Osman

WHAT'S ON YOUR HEAD? is a brand new show exploring the different things that people wear on their heads for religious, cultural, professional and safety reasons to help curious children understand the world around them. In this episode, Alexandra shows us her barrister’s wig and explains why she loves her wig so much and what it means to be able to wear it.

Entry No. I-042

Play
Title
Morning Story
The Lonely Porcupine
Entering Organization
Miracle Mushroom Co.,Ltd.
Country/Region
Thailand
Media
TV
Finalist
Issada Aisiri

Producer

Issada Aisiri

The children will bring the audience to the story of the lonely porcupine who wants to have friends. He finds a magic tree that can gives him friends as many as he likes. What will he do with all the friends he has? Let's find out.

Entry No. I-043

Play
Title
Hero Elementary
Ep.137 “AJ’s Extra Superpower”
Entering Organization
Twin Cities Public Television
Country/Region
United States
Media
TV
Finalist
Christine Ferraro

Creator/Writer

Christine Ferraro

HERO ELEMENTARY features a diverse cast of characters, set in an urban town that is inclusive of all races and abilities. In this episode a girl learns about one of the main characters' autism spectrum, but also appreciating the positive aspects of it. Together this Crew of kids demonstrates teamwork, resiliency, and scientific thinking as they rise to the occasion.

Primary Division

Entry No. E-001

Play
Title
Mum is pouring rain
Entering Organization
Laïdak Films
Country/Region
France
Media
TV
Finalist
Hugo de Faucompret

Director

Hugo de Faucompret

Jane, a tenacious 8-years-old, thinks she will spend the holidays with her mom who is going through a little depression, but to her surprise is sent to her Grandma’s instead, in the countryside. Against all odds, Jane’s holidays turn out to be a real adventure. There, she meets Cloclo, a gigantic bum.

Entry No. E-014

Play
Title
SHAKSHUKA
Effie’s Game
Entering Organization
Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Israel
Media
TV
Finalist
Avner Bernheimer

Creators/Writers

Avner Bernheimer

Asia Levtov

Creators/Writers

Asia Levtov

The stories told in this series are presented from the perspective of the youngsters. When the girls go off to dance and the boys to play soccer, Effie decides that she wants to play with the boys. Dookie and Dotan do not like the idea, because Effie does not really know the rules. Micha and Michelle come to her defense.

Entry No. E-028

Play
Title
The Anne Frank video diary
Hell on Earth
Entering Organization
NTR (NPS/Teleac/RVU)
Country/Region
Netherlands
Media
TV
Finalist
Tim Vloothuis

Producer

Tim Vloothuis

The first five episodes of The Anne Frank video diary tell the story of her period in the Secret Annex, ending in 1944 with the arrest of the people in hiding. But the story of Anne, her family and the other people in hiding continues after this event. That is the story we want to tell in this series.

Entry No. E-029

Play
Title
@Kalinka08 - Please Get in Touch
Entering Organization
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen
Country/Region
Germany
Media
TV
Finalist
Jens Ripke

Commissioning Editor

Jens Ripke

Who is Kalinka08? In a chat message she reports about domestic violence. Sofia and her friends are worried. Despite lockdown restrictions they arrange a meeting and plan to find Kalinka. When Joha, Sofias crush joins them, things get tricky because he realizes immediately that Kalinka08 is his little sister Lilja.

Entry No. E-030

Play
Title
Awesome Homework
Shinsuke Yoshitake
Entering Organization
Japan Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Japan
Media
TV
Finalist
Kakinuma Midori

Director

Kakinuma Midori

In this series, adults prominent in diverse professions set homework that stirs children's curiosity. The show began airing in May 2020, when people in Japan were staying home because of coronavirus. In this episode, the picture-book artist Yoshitake Shinsuke encouraged kids to create their own private places in their homes and to create their own private secrets.

Entry No. E-038

Play
Title
Talking Heads - Season 2
Marie Claire, Sven, Jairo & Betiel
Entering Organization
Keplerfilm
Country/Region
Netherlands
Media
TV
Finalist

A diversity of children take a seat in the barber’s chair of hairdresser Marko. Through the mirror we watch their new haircuts take shape, as we listen to what's going on in their heads: their view on the world, their concerns and the things in life that really makes them happy.

Entry No. E-044

Play
Title
Jigsaw
The Garbage girl
Entering Organization
Be Amazing Edutainment Co., Ltd.
Country/Region
Thailand
Media
TV
Finalist
ワリネット・テムシリカモル

Executive Producer

Warinnet Termsirikamol (Left)

Producer

Pichsinee Sirichotchumnarn (Right)

We compare children to jigsaw puzzles. Each puzzle has different shapes, patterns, and colors. In this episode, it’s a story of JenNim, a Cambodian girl who is living in Thailand. She helps her mom collect garbage and sell it. She has never felt embarrassed, and also proud to be a part of helping her family and the world.

Entry No. E-049

Play
Title
PTS Youth News: What Is Law?
Entering Organization
Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation
Country/Region
Taiwan
Media
TV
Finalist
Yen Ju Lai

Producer

Yen Ju Lai

Through animations, we’ve adapted some well-known cases in Taiwan, trying to infuse the law and legal logic into young people’s minds. In this episode, someone tried to steal a car. In utter chaos and without support, a police officer chose to fire his gun but shot the perpetrator dead accidentally. Do you think he is guilty?

Entry No. E-057

Play
Title
ultra:bit LIVE
Entering Organization
Danmarks Radio (DR)
Country/Region
Denmark
Media
Video
Finalist
Katrine Holst

Contents Creator

Katrine Holst

Camilla Balslev Nielsen

Editor

Camilla Balslev
Nielsen

The series, produced after a long period of lock down, invited children from schools across Denmark. Children created super animals using technology and inspiration from real ones. The classes joined from their schools and interacted with the host as well as tech and animal experts via chat, Facetime, etc. In the end the best super animal was announced.

Entry No. E-062

Play
Title
Beasts of Asia
Ep1. Training in pairs
Entering Organization
Korea Educational Broadcasting System
Country/Region
Republic of Korea
Media
TV
Finalist
Hyunsook Chung

Producer

Hyunsook Chung

The Storyhunters are in search of beasts who take human shape to recall ancient myths told in different Asian countries. Like this one, from Korea: a bear determined to become a human woman. In the present-day drama, a schoolgirl archer’s confidence is broken by the brilliance of her training partner. Can she somehow summon the spirit of the bear-woman?

Entry No. E-067

Play
Title
Umbrellas
Entering Organization
Moukda Production
Country/Region
France
Media
Film
Finalist
José Prats

Co-director/
Co-writer

José Prats

Álvaro Robles

Co-director/
Co-writer

Álvaro Robles

In a faraway land where the rain never stops, six-year-old Kyna spends her days playing carelessly under the protective "umbrella-beard" of her father, Din. One night, Kyna’s beloved dog Nana disappears. To find her, Kyna will embark on an adventure of self-discovery and face her great fear, the Rain.

Entry No. E-069

Play
Title
Traveler Tale
Bruno and his new family
Entering Organization
Punta Mulata Producciones
Country/Region
Colombia
Media
TV
Finalist

Producer/
Cinematographer

Juana González

A group of children, with cultural differences and who do not know each other, build a story collaboratively. A flying book travels through Colombia in search of children to write the most creative stories. What the children create and narrate is represented through animations, supported by representations made by themselves and moments in which the narrator speaks to the camera.

Youth Division

Entry No. Y-002

Play
Title
Bullet-laced Dreams
Entering Organization
Brigade Productions Inc.
Country/Region
Philippines
Media
Film
Finalist
Kristoffer G. Brugada

Co-Director/
Co-Producer

Kristoffer G.
Brugada

Charena Escala

Co-Director/
Co-Producer

Charena Escala

Incessant armed conflicts between the Duterte-led government and communist rebels in the Philippines separate Chricelyn, 14, from her family, but despite facing hardship, displacement and tragedy, she vows to fight for her indigenous way of life and right to an education.

Entry No. Y-003

Play
Title
It was not supposed to happen
The sex tape
Entering Organization
Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Norway
Media
TV
Finalist
Lydia Gieselmann

Presenter

Lydia Gieselmann

In every episode, we tell a true story about sexual abuse or assault. This episode is about 17- year-old Nadia and her experience with a sex tape that is filmed and shared without her knowledge. The consequences are dramatic for both her and the teenage perpetrator.

Entry No. Y-004

Play
Title
FAST FASHION
Entering Organization
Premieres Lignes Television
Country/Region
France
Media
TV
Finalist
Gilles Bovon

Director

Gilles Bovon

Creating a dress for ten euros in Europe, in less than a fortnight. It’s not only possible, but it’s becoming the norm. Since the fashion industry went down the path of fast-fashion, it’s always both faster and cheaper no matter the consequences.

Entry No. Y-007

Play
Title
GROOMING
Entering Organization
Channel Encuentro
Country/Region
Argentina
Media
TV
Finalist
Pablo Destito

Director

Pablo Destito

“GROOMING” is a telefilm that mixes fiction, documentary and dance, addressing the issue of sexual harassment towards children, teenagers and young people on the Internet.

Entry No. Y-008

Play
Title
Matilda and the spare head
Entering Organization
Miyu Distribution
Country/Region
France
Media
Film
Finalist
Ignas Meilunas

Director

Ignas Meilunas

A story about a girl called Matilda who wants to be the smartest person in the world. When all the things she’s learned can no longer fit in one head, her mother buys her a backup one. Two heads are better than one but….

Entry No. Y-009

Play
Title
I am Greta
Entering Organization
Westdeutscher Rundfunk
Country/Region
Germany
Media
TV
Finalist
Nathan Grossman

Director

Nathan Grossman

The story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is told through compelling, never-before-seen footage in this documentary following her rise to prominence and her global impact as she sparks school strikes and protests around the world.

Entry No. Y-010

Play
Title
I’ll Go On Living Till I Die
Music of gratitude from Kobe
Entering Organization
Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation
Country/Region
Japan
Media
TV
Finalist
Yoshida Akira

Director

Yoshida Akira

In spring 2019, a man who vigorously conveyed the memory of the Great Hanshin Earthquake to the younger generations died of terminal cancer. The program documents the man’s way of life, presenting his way of coming to terms with his disaster experience.

Entry No. Y-013

Play
Title
Teenage Boss
Episode 1 - Latifa
Entering Organization
McAvoy Media
Country/Region
Australia
Media
TV
Finalist
John McAvoy

Producer

John McAvoy

What happens when a teenager takes responsibility for the family’s finances for a month? Throughout the series, the teens learn a true appreciation for the money they flippantly spend, the effort their parents put in to look after them and of the underlining skills of responsibility they never knew they had.

Entry No. Y-022

Play
Title
How to Be at Home
Entering Organization
National Film Board of Canada
Country/Region
Canada
Media
Film
Finalist
アンドレア・ドーフマン

Director

Andrea Dorfman

Lean into loneliness- and know you’re not alone in it. Filmmaker Andrea Dorfman reunites with poet Tanya Davis to craft tender and profound animation on the theme of isolation, providing a wise and soaringly lyrical sequel to their viral hit How to Be Alone.

Entry No. Y-026

Play
Title
A Nian
Entering Organization
Phoenix Satellite Television
Country/Region
China
Media
TV
Finalist

“Superman saves the world, but only I could save my grandma's life.” After the outbreak of the COVID-19, all four family members of young woman, A Nian, were sent to different places for quarantine. The story promotes personal growth and provides significant value to the development of the society.

Entry No. Y-029

Play
Title
Ab 18! Luisa
Entering Organization
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen
Country/Region
Germany
Media
TV
Finalist
Romy Steyer

Director

Romy Steyer

At the beginning of 2019, LUISA, age 22, organized the first major climate strike in Berlin. The geography student stands out from her group right from the start. She is eloquent, telegenic and scientifically adept. The media make her the German Greta. Luisa becomes the face of the largest German youth movement.

Entry No. Y-033

Play
Title
Buladó
Entering Organization
Keplerfilm
Country/Region
Netherlands
Media
Film
Finalist

Director

Eché Janga

Headstrong girl Kenza lives with her father Ouira and grandfather Weljo on a car wrecking yard in the countryside of Curacao. The two men are opposites: Ouira is a determined and rational police officer, while Weljo identifies with the original inhabitants and spirituality of the island. As Weljo wishes to prepare his passing to the world of spirits, the relationship between Ouira and Weljo starts to escalate and Kenza searches for her own path in-between the two extremes.

Entry No. Y-053

Play
Title
BYkids: FAITH'S WORLD
Entering Organization
BYkids
Country/Region
United States
Media
TV
Finalist
Faith Guilbault (Right), Karen Guilbault (Left)

Director

Faith Guilbault (Right)

Mother

Karen Guilbault (Left)

16-year-old Faith Guilbault from Baltimore, Maryland loves skydiving, horseback riding and has walked the runway at Fashion Week in New York City. She is also one of 61 million people in the United States living with a disability. She shines light on her world, inviting viewers to focus on the similarities rather than differences between people living with and without a disability.

Lifelong Learning Division

Entry No. L-005

Play
Title
Scars
Entering Organization
Zadig Productions
Country/Region
France
Media
TV
Finalist
Didier Cros

Director

Didier Cros

This film tells the tale of men and women that we look at with difficulty. Malformed figures from birth, faces ravaged by the accidents of life. How does one live under the weight of difference? This film is a face to face. A face to face between the characters and the viewer, but also between the characters and themselves.

Entry No. L-008

Play
Title
Colonia Dignidad
4 episodes
Entering Organization
Westdeutscher Rundfunk
Country/Region
Germany
Media
TV
Finalist
Annette Baumeister

Director

Annette Baumeister

The documentary in 4 episodes dives into the abyss of the German sect Colonia Dignidad. This "archive of hell" consists of several hundred hours of film and sound material from people within the religious community emigrated to Chile and organized under the leadership of the self-appointed preacher Paul Schaefer.

Entry No. L-013

Play
Title
The Ugly Side Of Beauty
Entering Organization
The Moving Visuals Co.
Country/Region
Singapore
Media
TV
Finalist
Sumitra Gopal

Producer/Writer

Sumitra Gopal

Galen Yeo

Creative Director

Galen Yeo

Deepak Bara

Producer

Deepak Bara

All that glitters is not gold. In India, thousands of miners risk their health and lives to search for mica, the mineral that creates the shimmer and shine in makeup.

Entry No. L-020

Play
Title
Passage to Europe
Entering Organization
KOUZI PRODUCTIONS
Country/Region
Greece
Media
Film
Finalist
Dimitra Kouzi

Director/Producer

Dimitra Kouzi

For 30 years now, Fotis Psycharis has been a primary teacher at a state elementary school in the heart of Athens. Reflecting the diversity of the neighborhood population, the majority of his pupils are refugee and immigrant children from Africa, the former USSR, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia, who often regard Greece as an unavoidable but also convenient stop on their journey across Europe.

Entry No. L-021

Play
Title
VIRAL
Entering Organization
gebrueder beetz filmproduktion Berlin GmbH
Country/Region
Germany
Media
Film
Finalist
Udi Nir

Co-director/Producer

Udi Nir

Sagi Bornsetein

Co-director/Producer

Sagi Bornsetein

Composed entirely of videos uploaded to social media over the course of 2020, VIRAL tells the story of a rapidly changing world. Through the eyes of 7 protagonists in their early 20's we follow a new generation, coming to age in unprecedented times.

Entry No. L-023

Play
Title
The Magnitude of All Things
Entering Organization
National Film Board of Canada
Country/Region
Canada
Media
Film
Finalist
Jennifer Abbott

Director

Jennifer Abbott

When Jennifer Abbott lost her sister to cancer, her sorrow opened her up to the profound gravity of climate breakdown. Abbott’s new documentary The Magnitude of All Things draws intimate parallels between the experiences of grief- both personal and planetary.

Entry No. L-024

Play
Title
Swan Lake Bath Ballet
Entering Organization
Corey Baker Dance
Country/Region
United Kingdom
Media
Video
Finalist
Corey Baker

Director/
Choreographer

Corey Baker

Anne Beresford

Producer

Anne Beresford

A contemporary take on the classic SWAN LAKE, filmed entirely remotely during lock down in the (filled) bathtubs of 27 dancers from around the world. Choreographed and directed by Corey Baker.

Entry No. L-031

Play
Title
Fukushima Monologue
Entering Organization
Japan Broadcasting Corporation
Country/Region
Japan
Media
TV
Finalist
Fujimura Naoko

Director

Fujimura Naoko

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in March 2011, everyone living nearby was ordered to evacuate. But Matsumura Naoto stayed put, becoming the only person left in his town. For 10 years, he has taken care of animals abandoned by the people who left.

Entry No. L-037

Play
Title
Storkman
Entering Organization
Rise And Shine World Sales
Country/Region
Germany
Media
Film
Finalist
Tomislav Jelincic

Director

Tomislav Jelincic

Shot in the wing by hunters, 28 years ago, Stork Malena was left crippled and grounded for ever. Stjepan saved her life. Ever since, the two of them have been spending time together. In 2002 Malena found the love of her life on the roof of Stjepan's garage.

Entry No. L-050

Play
Title
Dying to Divorce
Entering Organization
Dying to Divorce_ LTD
Country/Region
United Kingdom
Media
Film
Finalist
Chloe Fairweather

Director

Chloe Fairweather

More than one in three Turkish women experience domestic abuse and the number of femicides is rising. But some Turkish women are fighting back. Ipek, a courageous lawyer, is determined to challenge this misogynistic trend by putting abusive men behind bars.

Entry No. L-052

Play
Title
Us Kids
Entering Organization
Hard Working Movies
Country/Region
United States
Media
Film
Finalist
Kim Snyder

Director

Kim Snyder

An insightful, rousing coming-of-age story of a generation of youth leaders determined to take the reins and fight for justice at a most critical time in our nation's history. Sparked by the plague of gun violence ravaging their schools, Us Kids chronicles the March For Our Lives movement over the course of several years.

Digital Media Division

Entry No. D-005

Play
Title
Inspire High
Entering Organization
Inspire High, Inc.
Country/Region
Japan
Media
Application software

Inspire High connects pre-teen and teenage youth to the world’s leading creative minds. Our Mission: To inspire teenagers across the globe. Our Vision: A society where everybody can choose a unique, fulfilling life and feel connected to others and the world. Our Approach: To deliver an educational experience where leading creative professionals and teenagers around the world mutually inspire each other, and discover their creativity and core life values.

Entry No. D-007

Play
Title
Agence
Entering Organization
National Film Board of Canada
Country/Region
Canada
Media
Game app.

Would you interfere with intelligent life? Agence is an interactive experience that places the fate of artificially intelligent creatures in your hands. In their simulated universe, you have the power to observe, and to interfere. Maintain the balance of their peaceful existence or throw them into a state of chaos as you move from planet to planet. Watch closely and you’ll see them react to each other and their emerging world. Once you meet the Agents, their story will never be the same.

Entry No. D-012

Play
Title
logo! news:date 35 Years after Chernobyl
- Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power
Entering Organization
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen
Country/Region
Germany
Media
Website

This episode asks whether nuclear power plants should remain in service because of climate reasons or not. In order to find an answer, the two hosts research relevant arguments, interview experts and exchange arguments in a discussion. Exciting question for the viewer. Will they hold on to the opinion which they held at the beginning of the episode or can they be convinced by the arguments of the opposite side? Or is there no clear pro or con?

Entry No. D-014

Play
Title
Mission US: Prisoner in My Homeland
Entering Organization
The WNET Group
Country/Region
United States
Media
Web Game

Prisoner in My Homeland is the sixth game in the Mission US series, developed to engage middle and high school students in transformational moments in American history. Players step into the role of Henry Tanaka, a fictional 16-year-old Japanese American boy whose family is forced to leave their home on Bainbridge Island, WA, for a military prison camp in CA, in 1942. Players grapple with the challenges faced by over 120,000 Japanese Americans as they coped with their unjust incarceration during World War II.

Entry No. D-021

Play
Title
MYRIAD. Where we connect. | VR Experience
Entering Organization
Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH
Country/Region
Germany
Media
Application software

MYRIAD takes the scientific foundation to create an artistic world based on the carbon cycle. Our audience can choose between three different migratory stories of our protagonists: The Bald Ibis, the Green Sea Turtle and the Artic Fox. Each story has a duration of around eight minutes and takes the audience into different environments: the Syrian Desert, the harsh Arctic and the deep sea of the Atlantic containing the elements of air, land and water.

Finalists (Proposal Pitch)

Proposal Division

Entry No. P-006

Title
Speak out yourself-The abuse we're not talking about
Target Group
Teens
Entering Organization
Dhrupad Communication - Media for Education and Development
Country/Region
Bangladesh

Sexual abuse and sexual crimes have increased in Bangladesh in recent years. Many victims remain silent and cry to protect their social honor. Meanwhile, this documentary focuses on women who bravely confronted the pain they suffered.

Entry No. P-008

Title
Rainbowflower: My School of the future
Target Group
Children
Entering Organization
TINAMU FILMS
Country/Region
Ecuador

During the Pandemic, more and more children in Ecuador are losing their educational opportunities. In this drama, through the words of the five children, we can see how they think about the future school and education. Positive aspects that Corona has given to education are also mentioned.

Entry No. P-015

Title
Two Sailors
Target Group
Children
Entering Organization
Camello Audiovisual
Country/Region
Colombia

The two protagonists are wandering over the sea in search of their home island. This animated series explains the questioning power of children and the importance of conversation between adults and children. By asking questions and talking with adults, children accumulate knowledge and establish their own identities.

Entry No. P-018

Title
MELODY OF THE MOTHER NATURE
Target Group
Adults
Entering Organization
Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation
Country/Region
Sri Lanka

This documentary explores the inseparable bond between nature and human beings. It also tells us not to give up our goals in any difficult situation by depicting a music teacher who uses disposable materials as a musical instrument and imitating sounds heard in nature.

Entry No. P-019

Title
The flower that is not ours
Target Group
Adults
Entering Organization
Na Ants Cine SAS
Country/Region
Mexico

Cancer is continuing to increase its number of victims, especially in low-income countries. Many patients are in financial and emotional distress. This documentary is about woman who lost a breast due to breast cancer and how she overcomes her difficulties with other women going through the same situation.

Entry No. P-022

Title
Morteza's Farm
Target Group
Adults
Entering Organization
ELI Image
Country/Region
Iran

Most of Iran's land is a dry plateau and the wish of the people there have been to draw water there from nature for farming. This is the story of a man who sold his land in the city, restored an old aqueduct, and devoted his life to bringing nature's bounty of water to such a desolate land. It teaches us the attitude of valuing nature.

Jurors

Final Selection Jurors

COMMITTEE 1

Pre-school, Primary & Digital Media Divisions / Proposal Pitch

Leader of Committee 1

Name:
Tshilidzi Davhana
Country/Region:
South Africa
Title & Organization:
Commissioning Editor
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
Name:
Rachel Murrell
Country/Region:
United Kingdom
Title & Organization:
Scriptwriter
Name:
Uttam Pal Singh
Country/Region:
India
Title & Organization:
Head, Discovery Kids
Discovery Communications India
Name:
Maria-Christina Villaseñor
Country/Region:
United States
Title & Organization:
Programming Director
New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF)

COMMITTEE 2

Youth & Digital Media Divisions / Proposal Pitch

Leader of Committee 2

Name:
Iris Yudai
Country/Region:
Canada
Title & Organization:
Senior Advisor, Content Development
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

Chairperson of Audiovisual Works

Name:
Donovan Chan
Country/Region:
Singapore
Title & Organization:
Creative Director
Beach House Pictures
Name:
Andrea Fehr
Country/Region:
Switzerland
Title & Organization:
Head of Children’s Programs
Swiss Radio and Television (SRF)
Name:
Nakazawa Yoko
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Deputy Head, Unit 3 (Science, Welfare & Lifestyle), Program Production Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

COMMITTEE 3

Lifelong Learning & Digital Media Divisions / Proposal Pitch

Leader of Committee 3

Name:
Tiina Klemettilä
Country/Region:
Finland
Title & Organization:
Executive Producer
Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE)

Chairperson of Proposal Pitch

Name:
Abdul Hakim Amir bin Nazri
Country/Region:
Malaysia
Title & Organization:
Head of Content Hub
Harimau Entertainment Sdn Bhd

Leader of Digital Media Division

Name:
Florent Maurin
Country/Region:
France
Title & Organization:
President
The Pixel Hunt
Name:
Nagae Tsutomu
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
CEO/Creative Director
DIRECTIONS, Inc.

Preliminary Selection Jurors

COMMITTEE 1

Audiovisual Works (Pre-school Division)

Leader of Committee 1

Name:
Sojin An
Country/Region:
Republic of Korea
Title & Organization:
Head of Global, Animation Department
Korea Educational Broadcasting System (EBS)
Name:
Caroline Bandolik
Country/Region:
United States
Title & Organization:
Vice President of Production/Supervising Producer
Spiffy Pictures
Name:
Alvaro Ceppi
Country/Region:
Chile
Title & Organization:
Producer/Director
Name:
Komine Ryosuke
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Senior Producer, Unit 1 (Youth & Education), Program Production Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

COMMITTEE 2

Audiovisual Works (Primary Division)

Leader of Committee 2

Name:
Wuan-ling Guo
Country/Region:
Taiwan
Title & Organization:
Director, International Department
Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation (PTS)
Name:
Yenny Santamaria Amado
Country/Region:
Colombia
Title & Organization:
Commissioning Editor
Señal Colombia - RTVC
Name:
Haluk Polat
Country/Region:
Turkey
Title & Organization:
Producer
We Play
Name:
Nakatsuka Shinobu
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Principal Program Director, Unit 1 (Youth & Education), Program Production Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

COMMITTEE 3

Audiovisual Works (Youth Division)

Leader of Committee 3

Name:
Nabeelah Shabbir
Country/Region:
United Kingdom
Title & Organization:
Journalist
Name:
Johanna Garvin
Country/Region:
Australia
Title & Organization:
Communications Officer
Create NSW
Name:
Ý Linh Phan
Country/Region:
Vietnam
Title & Organization:
Producer
Vietnam Television's Education TV Channel (VTV7)
Name:
Suzuki Saimi
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Producer, Global Content Development Division, Programming Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

COMMITTEE 4

Audiovisual Works (Lifelong Learning Division)

Leader of Committee 4

Name:
Irina Stoilova
Country/Region:
Italy
Title & Organization:
International Partners, Working Groups and Panels
Prix Italia/Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI)
Name:
Akutsu Yuki
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Chief Editor of Website
Hokkaido Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (HTB)
Name:
Okui Gaku
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Program Director, Unit 2 (Current Affairs & Culture), Program Production Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

COMMITTEE 5

Audiovisual Works (Digital Media Division)

Leader of Committee 5

Name:
Carolina Di Palma
Country/Region:
Argentina
Title & Organization:
Leader of Digital Convergence Projects
Pakapaka
Name:
Mark Elkins
Country/Region:
Australia
Title & Organization:
Editor in Chief
GritLife
Name:
Noguchi Akina
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Director of the LITALICO Research Center, LITALICO INC./
Lecturer, Kokushikan University
Name:
Moriuchi Daisuke
Country/Region:
Japan
Title & Organization:
Senior Manager, Strategic Planning Division, Audience Services Department
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Past Japan Prize

TOP