NIKON FILM AND PHOTO CONTEST 2024-2025: FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES

Nikon is making its final call for entries for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025, with submissions closing on March 16, 2025. This year’s theme, Inspire, invites participants to enter in one of two photo categories: Single Photo or Photo Story, or enter the film or super-short film categories.

The Nikon Film and Photo Contest stands as a renowned global competition, uniting photographers and filmmakers - both professional and amateur - from all over the world. Previous years’ winners include Austin Garcia’s Tears in the Rain, which captures a child's emotional moment amidst the chaos of the Higantes Festival, and Annamaria Bruni’s Greeting to the Sun, a serene tribute to her beloved Egypt and celebration of life’s everyday moments.

These powerful works showcase the contest’s ability to elevate deeply personal stories and inspire future entrants to share their unique perspectives.

Since the iconic contest began in 1969, more than half a century ago, it has grown into one of the world’s most respected and prestigious international competitions. Last year, more than 35,000 people from 180 countries participated, submitting over 70,000 breathtaking photos and film submissions. 

This year, marking its landmark 40th edition, the contest’s official title has been renamed to the “Nikon Film and Photo Contest” – highlighting its broadened emphasis on both photography and filmmaking. This year also introduces an exciting expansion to the Short Film competition, with a new category dedicated to longer works, offering filmmakers even greater creative freedom. Additionally, the contest logo has also been redesigned to embody the central concept of the contest - a place where works created from diverse perspectives come together.

Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry experts, with Sarah Leen - the first female director of photography for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Partners - returning as lead judge. The complete panel of judges for the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 will be revealed on the official website as appointments are made.

Lead Judge Sarah Leen says: “I am delighted to return as the lead judge for the 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest. In my previous role, I was incredibly impressed by the outstanding quality of the photographs and films submitted. For this edition, we hope to see photography and filmmaking that inspire and connect us through powerful visual storytelling.”

“I encourage all photographers and filmmakers to submit their work, not only for the chance to win exceptional prizes, but also for the opportunity to have their creations showcased to the public and members of our visual community. This could be a career-changing moment for you and your creative work.”

Nikon’s prestigious contest welcomes both professional and amateur photographers and filmmakers from around the world, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. The final submission deadline is March 16, 2025 (JST), with winners announced in September 2025.

For more information on prizes or entry details, visit: https://www.nikon-photocontest.com/en/

Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025 Overview
The Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2024-2025, marking the 40th edition of the Nikon Photo Contest first held in 1969, will feature both a Short Film Competition and a Photo Competition. The Short Film Competition will include a Super-Short Film Category, a 5-Minute Film Category, and a 15-Minute Film Category, while the Photo Competition will offer a Single Photo Category and a Photo Story Category.
This year, the theme for both the Short Film and Photo Competitions is "Inspire." We look forward to receiving works that evoke new perspectives and emotions.

About Nikon 
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web's most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.
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