Do It Ourselves Docufilm Competition 2026

A competition inviting aspiring filmmakers to create short documentary films that spotlight the people behind Singapore’s indie music scene.

The Do It Ourselves (DIO) Docufilm Competition is an initiative by Esplanade Offstage that invites emerging filmmakers to tell stories from Singapore’s independent music community. It is based on the existing video series Do It Ourselves, which spotlights the DIY culture of Singapore’s music scene.

Your film should highlight people who make the scene happen behind the scenes, such as music producers, sound engineers, instrument builders and makers, visual designers and creative directors or any other individuals shaping the ecosystem off-stage.

We encourage you to discover and profile voices that are often unseen but essential to the music scene.

Winning films will be featured on Esplanade Offstage.

Submissions open: 4 May 2026, 12:00 PM (GMT+8)
Submissions close: 10 August 2026, 11:59 PM (GMT+8)

Submission closed.

Competition Categories

What are the different competition categories open to participants?

There are 2 competition categories available: Student & Open

Student Category

For students currently enrolled in Singapore tertiary institutions and Institutes of Higher learnings including but not limited to Junior Colleges, Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), Polytechnics, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Universities.

Open Category

Individuals who meet the following criteria:

Aged 18–35 years, at the time of submission;
Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents; or
Hold a valid pass in Singapore (including Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student Pass, or Dependant’s Pass); and
Are residing in Singapore at the time of submission.

Refer to the Submission Guidelines for a quick checklist of what you need for submission as a participant and a finalist. For more details on the competition, you can refer to the Terms & Conditions.

Participants enjoy an additional 20% off photo and video equipment rentals from Camera Rental Centre for their docufilm production (savings capped at $100) until 31 Jul 2026.

Evaluation & Prizes

Evaluation criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria, with each component carrying a specific weightage that reflects its importance in the overall assessment:
1. Storytelling: 40%
  The film should present a compelling and impactful narrative, supported by a clear and coherent structure that guides the story with intention and clarity. Originality in idea or perspective is strongly encouraged, along with a thoughtful and relevant choice of profile that enhances the overall narrative and emotional impact of the film.
2. Treatment, style and craft: 40%
  The technical elements of the film should support the storytelling rather than distract from it. This includes how the film is shot, how scenes are lit, and how the story is edited to create a smooth and engaging flow.
  
  Where appropriate, simple use of graphics may be included if it helps support the narrative.
  
  The film should also have a clear visual style and creative direction with a cohesive style and aesthetic to express the filmmaker’s unique voice.
  
  Sound is also important—dialogue should be clear, and music and sound design should enhance the mood and storytelling.
3. Viewer engagement: 20%
  The film should be engaging and able to hold the viewer’s attention from start to finish.
  
  It should create an emotional connection or leave a lasting impression. Stories that feel relatable, meaningful, or thought-provoking will strengthen how strongly the film resonates with audiences.
What will winners receive?

Student Category
1st Prize: SGD 2,000
2nd Prize: SGD 1,000
Camera Rental Centre (CRC) Special Mention: $600 CRC credits

Open Category
1st Prize: SGD 3,000
2nd Prize: SGD 1,500
Camera Rental Centre (CRC) Special Mention: $800 CRC credits

All winning videos will be published on Esplanade Offstage.

*Prize credits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Other terms & conditions apply.

FAQ

I want to participate in the competition, but I do not have contacts of anyone from the indie music scene. Can I receive contacts from Esplanade?
As we want to ensure fairness among all participants and profiles, Esplanade will not be able to provide contacts. However, we recommend participants to search up online platforms to research more about the indie music scene.
Can I participate in a group under the Student Category with other members from different institutions?
Yes, participants in the Student Category may form groups with members from different Institutes of Higher Learning or Tertiary Institutions.
Do I have to submit a proposal before the actual filming?
Participants do not have to submit an idea for exploration. All entries should only be the final version of the docufilm.
Can I submit a film that has already been entered into another competition or film festival? – Updated: 21 Jul 2026
Yes. You may submit a film that has previously been entered into another competition or film festival, provided that it has not won any awards and has not been publicly exhibited, screened or published before its submission to this competition.
What do I have to submit for my entry?
Participants must submit one long-form video, one short-form video, and production credits for both group and individual entries. Students are required to provide a scanned copy of their student card in the submission form. Please note that finalists will need to submit additional assets. More information can be found in the Submission Guidelines.
When will the prize presentation be held?
The date will be announced at a later date. Keep a lookout on this page for updated information!
Will I be notified if my docufilm is not selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be notified by 26 August 2026 for additional submissions. All other participants will be notified via email by 28 August 2026.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
For any queries, you can get in touch with us here.

Do It Ourselves Docufilm Competition Terms & Conditions - Updated 17 July

PDF • 179.18 KB

Do It Ourselves Docufilm Competition Submission Guidelines - Updated 17 July

PDF • 237.83 KB

Special Thanks

Judging Panel

Kirsten Tan is a New York-based Singaporean filmmaker whose debut feature, Pop Aye, won major awards at Sundance, Rotterdam, and Zurich and was selected as Singapore’s official entry for the Academy Awards. Her short films have received multiple accolades at the Singapore International Film Festival. A Sundance Institute and Cannes Cinéfondation Fellow, she holds an MFA from New York University, granted by the Tisch Graduate Fellowship. She is a recipient of the NAC Young Artist Award, Her World’s Young Woman Achiever of the Year, and a nominee for The Straits Times’ Singaporean of the Year.

OFFSTAGE

DO IT OURSELVES

Step behind the scenes of Singapore’s indie music scene and meet the people who power it.

Watch the series