Contest Concept

Create a short musical-style video that tells a clear story without using any spoken or sung words. The story must be communicated entirely through movement, choreography, facial expression, staging, and visuals.

Music may be instrumental only.

If you removed all dialogue and lyrics, could the audience still understand the story?

Ideas to stimulate creativity:

• A decision that changes everything
• Two people who can’t communicate—until they do
• Losing something and finding something better
• A moment that starts ordinary and becomes emotional

Requirements

Video Length

• Minimum: 1 minute
• Maximum: 2 minutes

Audio Rules

• No spoken dialogue
• No sung or lip-synced lyrics
• Instrumental music only (soundtrack, score, or instrumental version of a song)
• Ambient sounds allowed (footsteps, doors, clapping, etc.)

Performance & Movement

• Movement must drive emotion and storytelling
• Facial expressions and body language are critical
• Props allowed but not required

Storytelling

• Video must include:
  • A clear beginning
  • A recognizable conflict or change
  • A resolution or ending
• Abstract stories are allowed if the emotional arc is clear

Filming & Editing

• Any filming style allowed (one take or edited)
• Visual creativity encouraged (angles, lighting, framing)
• Effects allowed, but storytelling must remain clear without them

Submission Guidelines

• Format: MP4 or MOV
• Email submissions to: ryerson.suzanne@gmail.com
• Include:
  • Video title
  • Participant name(s)

Judging Criteria

Judges will score each video based on:

• Choreography – intentional, expressive movement
• Performance – emotion, commitment, clarity
• Originality – unique interpretation and creative choices
• Visual Appeal – framing, setting, and aesthetic quality
• Adherence to Rules – no words or lyrics used

Judges will score each video here.

And the winner is…