Selection Categories at JWTFF
Before reviewing the FAQ below, please note that all submitted films are evaluated within one of the following three categories.
JWTFF is an award-centered Tourism Film Festival, and these categories reflect jury evaluation results, not screening status.
1. Not Selected
Films that did not reach the required evaluation threshold from the jury.
Selection at JWTFF is made strictly from the perspective of tourism film evaluation.
As a result, even outstanding films may not be selected if they do not meet our specific criteria related to tourism, destination representation, or thematic relevance.
2. Official Selection
Films that receive high scores from three or more independent judges are designated as Official Selections.
This category represents formal jury recognition.
Official Selection titles are not publicly listed on our website; however, an official JWTFF laurel is provided and may be used for promotional and professional purposes.
3. Finalist
Films that receive exceptionally high scores from three or more judges are selected as Finalists.
Finalist films:
- Are published on the official JWTFF website
- May be featured in the online gallery if the film is publicly available
Upon request, an official certificate (PDF) will be issued after the award ceremony.
Please note that not all Finalists receive awards.
For overseas participants, the festival office will contact you individually if your film receives an award.
These categories reflect jury evaluation results and do not indicate screening status.
Awards & Selection – FAQ
Q1. Is JWTFF a screening-based film festival like most traditional film festivals?
No.
The Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF) is not a screening-centered film festival.
It is a Tourism Film Festival primarily focused on awards, evaluation, and recognition.
JWTFF emphasizes jury-based assessment and awards rather than public screenings.
As a result, most submitted and selected films are not physically screened, and selection does not guarantee public exhibition.
At many traditional film festivals, “Official Selection” often implies a screening program. At JWTFF, however, it refers specifically to jury recognition and does not guarantee public screening.
Q2. What does “Official Selection” mean at JWTFF?
At JWTFF, “Official Selection” refers to films that have received
high evaluations from three or more independent judges.
This designation represents formal jury recognition,
but it does not indicate public screening or inclusion in an official screening program.
Official Selection titles are not publicly listed on our website.
However, an official laurel is provided for promotional and professional use.
Q3. What is the difference between Official Selection and Finalist?
Finalists are selected from among the Official Selections as films that received
exceptionally high evaluations.
Finalist films:
- Are published on the official JWTFF website
- May be featured in the online gallery if the film is publicly available
Please note that not all Finalists receive awards.
Q4. How are award winners determined?
Award winners are selected from among the Finalists through
final deliberations by the jury and are officially announced during the festival period.
For overseas participants,
the festival office will contact you individually if your film receives an award.
Q5. Is “Official Selection” a courtesy title or a form of encouragement?
No.
Official Selection at JWTFF is not a courtesy title or a symbolic designation.
All submissions undergo a rigorous evaluation process,
and Official Selection is granted only to films that receive independently high scores from multiple judges.
Q6. Why does JWTFF use terminology differently from traditional film festivals?
JWTFF is an international award dedicated specifically to tourism-related audiovisual works.
Its structure prioritizes evaluation, certification, and international recognition, rather than exhibition.
For this reason, terms such as “Official Selection” are used
with meanings that differ from those in screening-based film festivals.
We recognize the importance of clarity and will continue improving how we explain this structure.
Q7. How and when are applicants notified of their results?
JWTFF accepts submissions both via FilmFreeway and through direct submission.
Due to system and administrative processes, the timing of notifications may differ,
but the content and evaluation results are the same for all applicants.
コメント