AWARD
Introducing this year’s award-winning works.
2025 Award
Branded Shorts of the YearInternational Competition
Award given to the best BRANDED short film from outside Japan chosen based on eight criteria: essentiality, ability to change perceptions, shareability, strength of message, viewership retention, originality, timeliness, and memory retention.
In the film we see a series of scenes that became centres for debate and division in Australia. Some serious (clean energy debate), others asinine (dog grooming).
As each of these scenes appeared, The Comments Section, represented as physical stadium seating, filled with a host of divided characters.
Every line spoken is a real Australian comment sourced from online comments sections.
It seems like Aussies are divided on every topic until, as we reach a crescendo, one remarks “there must be something that unites us”.
At this point we reveal Sam Kekovich and lamb - the same thing that unites the nation every year.
He tells Aussies to “get out of the comments and into the cutlets” and they do.
ClientMeat & Livestock Australia
AgencyDroga5 Australia, part of Accenture Song
ProductionThe Sweetshop
Director: Max Barden / 0:03:00 / Australia / Branded Movie / 2025
Branded Shorts of the YearNational Competition
Award given to the best Japanese BRANDED short film chosen based on eight criteria: essentiality, ability to change perceptions, shareability, strength of message, viewership retention, originality, timeliness, and memory retention.
The story follows Kokoro, a high school student attending an all-boys school, in a series of eight episodes. Kokoro dreams of life in a co-ed school, thinking, "If I were in a co-ed school, I'd definitely be popular!" One day, after taking a sip of a Match soda in the classroom, Kokoro suddenly finds himself transported to a co-ed school in another world. He becomes confused by the "close distance between boys and girls"—something he never imagined in his all-boys school days—and freezes up when trying to talk to girls.
Despite the confusion, Kokoro charges through his new life in a co-ed school, living his youth to the fullest. In the end, through these daily experiences, he begins to realize the irreplaceable youth he had in his original world—the all-boys school.
ClientOtsuka Foods Co., Ltd.
AgencyHakuhodo Inc.
ProductionAOI Pro.
Director: Shun Nagata / 0:06:30 / Japan / Branded Movie / 2024
HR Competition supported by Indeed HR Best Short Award
In 2024, Columbia Sportswear Japan redesigned their 8000-m suit designed for the harsh elements of the world's highest peaks. This film follows the first team to use these suits to summit Mt. Everest.
ClientColumbia Sportswear Japan
ProductionUtsuwanium
Director: Matthew Jones / 0:25:00 / Japan / Branded Movie / 2024
The 14th Visual Tourism Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commisioner’s Award
Kaneyama Town is approaching its 100th anniversary.
At the start of summer, a junior high girl glimpses Ryuba, a legendary creature said to live in the town.
The story follows her, a young forester from another prefecture, and a couple who have watched Kaneyama change while running a garlic chive farm.
Blending documentary and mysticism, the short film captures Kaneyama’s everyday life, beautiful landscapes, and rich history.
Featuring 185 townspeople, it is set to two original songs, "Ryu" and "Tsumore Tsumore," written by singer-songwriter Fuki Kitamura.
Director: Honami Sugiura / 0:25:00 / Japan / Branded Movie / 2024
The 14th Visual Tourism Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commisioner's Award
Sakai is one of Japan's premier cultural cities. Home to Osaka's first World Heritage Site, the stunning Mozu Tombs, as well as tranquil historical shrines, temples and cityscapes, Sakai also has deep connections to the traditions of tea ceremony and knife and blade smithing.
Sakai is easy to stop by from Kansai International Airport or Shin-Osaka Station.
Here, experience a genuine side of Japan on your own leisurely schedule, without worrying about huge crowds.
In addition to Kyoto and Nara, visit Sakai to discover a wonderful third, largely unknown destination in the Kansai region.
Director: George Lea / 0:01:43 / Japan / Branded Movie / 2024
The 14th Visual Tourism Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commisioner's Award
Boxfish lacks confidence and always stays alone by the rocks, watching other fish and feeling envious. Then, one day, upon meeting Himetatsu, who has lost the way and is said to be from the sea of Minamata, Boxfish's very first adventure begins.
Director: Takuya Inaba / 0:18:40 / Japan / Animation / 2024
Personal Branding Award
