Summer Short-Video Competition Guidelines

1. Overview
The Summer Short-Video Competition is a creative platform for SOC and ACT programme students to showcase their diverse summer experiences, including internships, workshops, field visits, study trips, travel, voluntary work, and other engaging social, cultural and artistic encounters. This competition invites you to combine your personal experiences with academic insights gained in our department, demonstrating how theory and practice meaningfully connect.

2. Eligibility

  • Who Can Enter:
    This competition is open exclusively to students enrolled in the SOC (Sociology) and ACT (Arts, Culture and Technology) programmes.
  • Individual or Group Submission
    Videos may be submitted individually or in groups of up to 3 students.
  • Summer Experience:
    Participants must present a significant summer experience (e.g., internships, study trips, voluntary work, cultural or artistic engagements) through their video submission.

3. Video Submission Requirements

  • Duration:
    Videos must be 60 to 90 seconds in length.
  • Content:
    The video should reflect your personal summer experience (May-August 2025). Whether highlighting challenges overcome, cultural insights gained, or innovative projects undertaken, creativity and authenticity in linking issues you have discussed in your SOC/ACT courses to real-world experience are key.
  • Format:
    • Accepted formats: MP4
    • Recommended resolution: 720p or higher
    • Aspect ratio: Ideally 16:9
    • Subtitles: Optional but encouraged for accessibility
  • Originality:
    All submissions must be your original work. If third-party materials (footage, music, images) are included, proper credits and permissions must be provided with your submission.

4. Submission Process

  • Submission Deadline:
    All entries must be submitted by 31 August 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
  • How to Submit:
    Submission instructions—including the online platform/link, required file naming conventions, and any additional details—will be communicated later via the departmental website and email.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • A brief statement (50-100 words) outlining your summer experience, the academic insights incorporated, and the inspiration behind your video.
    • Your full name, student ID, email and phone number.

5. Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following aspects:

  • Creativity & Originality:
    Demonstrated innovative storytelling and a fresh interpretation of your summer experience.
  • Relevance to Theme:
    Successful integration of the academic knowledge and insights you have acquired in our department that enrich and underscore your summer narrative.
  • Technical Execution:
    Overall video quality, including clarity, editing, sound, and creative use of visuals.
  • Impact & Engagement:
    Ability to capture attention, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

A panel comprised of faculty will evaluate the submissions. Their decision is final.

6. Awards

This year, we are excited to offer 5 awards distributed from a total prize pool of $4000.

  • First Prize: $1500
  • Second Prize: $1000
  • Three Outstanding Prize: $500 x 3
  • Awards Announcement:
    Winners will be announced in September 2025

7. Rights & Permissions

  • Usage Rights:
    By entering the competition, you grant the Sociology Department permission to use your video (in full or in part) for promotional purposes across various media channels.
  • Copyright:
    Ensure that all content is either original or that necessary permissions/credits are provided for third-party elements. Failure to comply with copyright policies will result in disqualification.

8. Terms and Conditions

  • All submissions become the intellectual property of the Sociology Department and may be edited or adapted for future promotional efforts. Students also retain the right to use their videos for their own purposes.
  • By entering, you confirm that your work adheres to the guidelines provided, and you consent to the use of your submission for departmental or promotional purposes.
  • Any submissions that violate the guidelines or engage in unethical practices will be disqualified at the discretion of the organizing committee.

9. Contact Information

For further questions or clarifications regarding the competition, please reach out to:

Eric YIP
Phone: 2806-7343
Email: lhyip@hksyu.edu

Cordelia NG
Phone: 2804-8451
Email: hyng@hksyu.edu