what: Earth vision - The Tokyo Global Environmental Film Festival - is held annually in Tokyo as a visual forum to examine our environment through moving images. Official entries - which include a variety of films, such as feature films, television programmes, documentaries, animated films, etc. - are chosen by open invitation from Polynesia, Oceania and Asia, including Japan. The last Festival took place from February 4th to 6th, 2005. All films are screened with English and Japanese subtitles or earphone simultaneous interpretation.

who: Earth vision is operated by the Earth Vision Organisation, comprised of the Global Environmental Forum (an environmental organisation for scientific policy research and dissemination of information about environmental issues), NHK Joho Network Inc. (a company that provides news-related services and contents), Kiyosato Educational Experimental Project (a foundation for promoting environmental education), Oak Group (an organisation for promoting environmental education), Group Gendai Films Co., Ltd. (an independent production company of environmental films), and Urban Communications, Inc. (a subsidiary of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. specialised in cultural events). Many public institutions and private companies that have a high awareness of environmental issues also support Earth vision.

cool for you: the film festival accepts entries from both amateurs and professionals. The entry form, together with instructions for participation, are downloadable from the organisation’s website. Next call for entries will open from May 2005. If you are a filmmaker living in Asia, Oceania or Polynesia and are interested in environmental issues... then Earth vision could be a good opportunity to show off your talent. Good luck!