The Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, in cooperation with the National Youth Commission, announces that applications for the JENESYS 2023 ASEAN-Japan Art Exchange-16th Asian International Children's Film Festival is still open.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Japan, through the National Youth Commission, will organize the JENESYS 2023 ASEAN-Japan Art Exchange: Attending the 16th Asian International Children's Film Festival. Now on its 16th year, the Asian International Children's Film Festival promotes friendship and goodwill among Asian youths through filmmaking. Young filmmakers from various parts of the Asia are invited to Japan for a competition and days of cultural exchange activities that culminate in an awarding ceremony for winning film entries.

This year, the film festival is focusing on the theme "What I Want". Filipino high school students grades 10 to 12 (ages 15-18 years old), except those who have already been to Japan as part of previous Asian International Children's Film Festivals, are encouraged to join and submit their own three-minute videos under the theme. The deadline of submission of video entries and other requirements is extended on or before 15 September 2023, 11:59 PM.

The top three teams (composed of nine Filipino Junior or Senior High School Youth delegates) from the Philippines will be sent to Japan to compete in the international leg of the contest. All expenses will be borne by the Government of Japan through the JENESYS2023 Programme. The program will be held on 10 October 2023 (online Pre-Exchange program) and 12-19 December 2023 in Tokyo and Hyogo, Japan.

Please send all queries to internationalprograms@nyc.gov.ph with subject heading "JENESYS 2023 ASEAN-Japan Art Exchange (Attending the 16th Asian International Children's Festival)". For more information, visit the National Youth Commission Website for the full guidelines and mechanics.