Through this activity, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrates and makes widely known the creativity of young members of Indigenous Peoples. Participation encourages Indigenous youth to convey an impactful message about their peoples, communities and culture through video storytelling.
The WIPO Video Prize also raises awareness among young participants and their communities on how copyright can be used by them to protect their creativity expressed in the videos.
Timetable
- Competition launch – September 21, 2026
- Closing date for entries – November 6, 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time)
- Announcement of the shortlisted entries (the finalists) – November 30, 2026
- Public vote for the People’s Choice Prize – November 30 to December 15, 2026
- Announcement of the winning entries (the winners) – March, 2027
Theme of the Video Prize 2026
Under the theme Indigenous Peoples’ Know-How and Creativity in Action, Indigenous Peoples' youth are invited to use video to showcase the traditional, yet creative, contemporary, and dynamic nature of Indigenous know-how and creativity.
The video and accompanying story should creatively document how communities practice their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. This could be, for example, through:
- Traditional crafts (weaving, pottery, beadwork, carving, etc.);
- Traditional storytelling, performances, narrations;
- Preparations for herbal medicines and natural remedies, and foods;
- Traditional practices related to agriculture, the environment, or medicine.
Awards
Shortlisted and winning videos will be announced on the WIPO website.
Winners will receive digital equipment of a total value of up to:
- USD 4,000 (1st place)
- USD 3,000 (2nd place)
- USD 2,000 (3rd place)
- USD 1,000 (People’s Choice Prize)
The producers of the top 15 entries will benefit from training opportunities offered by the WIPO Academy.
Get inspired by the previous Photography Prize editions
Eligibility
- Participants should be members of Indigenous Peoples located in one of WIPO’s Member States and be between 18 and 35 years old on the closing date for entries (November 6, 2026).
- The participants must have recorded the video and prepared the brief descriptions themselves.
- Videos must not have been previously recognized and/or awarded in another contest. Each participant can submit a maximum of one entry.
- If required, the participant should secure consent to display traditional knowledge and/or traditional cultural expressions in the video. Likewise, the video should not contain any sacred, secret or sensitive content.
Copyright in the submitted materials remains with the participants. However, participants grant WIPO the right to use the materials submitted following the announcement of the winners solely for the purpose of its educational, promotional, and capacity-building activities and related communication, fully crediting the copyright owners.
Copyright in the submitted materials remains with the participants. However, participants grant WIPO the right to use the materials submitted following the announcement of the winners solely for the purpose of its educational, promotional, and capacity-building activities and related communication, fully crediting the copyright owners.
How to enter
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Step 1
Create and submit an original video on the theme Indigenous Peoples’ Know-How and Creativity in Action, supported by a brief description of how the video is related to the theme and how it expresses your vision about the theme.
Submitted videos should follow the formatting guidelines outlined in paragraph 5 of the Video Prize 2026 rules [PDF].
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Step 2
Include a title as well as a brief personal profile about yourself and the Indigenous People to which you belong.
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Step 3
Submit your entry by November 6, 2026, through the online platform. Your information and the description of the video may be submitted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. If your video is in Indigenous language, please include a script translated into one of the following language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
Entry is free of charge. By submitting an entry to the Prize, the participant agrees to accept the Video Prize 2026 rules [PDF].
Judging process
Videos will be judged on a technology-neutral basis, that is, without considering the participants’ professional experience or the use of professional or special equipment.
The evaluation criteria for entries are the expression of the theme; originality, creativity, and artistic expression; inspirational power; visual appeal; and community-related impact.
WIPO will appoint an external jury to shortlist several entries, followed by a selection of winners. The judges will be internationally recognized Indigenous video makers. WIPO will, in consultation with the judges, review and decide if the entries submitted comply with all the requirements outlined in the Video Prize 2026 rules [PDF].
All accepted videos and other submitted materials, along with the participants’ full names, may be published on the WIPO website and competition platform.
Winning participants will be notified by email and the official announcement of the winners will follow in March 2027.
Related materials
- Online platform for entries
- WIPO Video Prize 2026 Rules [PDF]
- Script template [DOC]
- Understanding Copyright and Related Rights
- WIPO’s Member States
Social media kit
Download materials in seven languages from our social media kit, including visuals, flyers, and more.
Do you have questions?
If you have any questions about the WIPO Video Prize, please contact us.
For further information, see the WIPO Video Prize rules [PDF]. In case of any doubt, the WIPO Video Prize rules take precedence.