MINI DOCUMENTARY

COMPETITION

FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RULES AND GUIDELINES

 MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A mini documentary is a non-fictional film that highlights real-life events, mainly for
educational and historical record purposes. It features a visual storytelling with a
non-fiction subject that is presented in a factual and informative manner and is
often accompanied by narration. A successful mini documentary is able to take
viewers on a spellbinding journey of one kind or another.

The mini documentary competition serves as a platform for pupils and teachers to
promote and demonstrate creative ideas through video logs or vlogs. Producing
mini documentary motivates pupils to use English and therefore improves their
command of the language. It is hoped that mini documentary can also instil values
amongst pupils to be more sensitive and appreciative towards current issues.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 To support the nation’s efforts to encourage the use of the English language
amongst pupils.

2.2 To encourage pupils to appreciate documentary as it provides an

opportunity to understand and connect with the world and helps to inculcate
positive values in everyday lives.

2.3 To provide the opportunity for pupils to show their talents and creativity in
the integration of language and IT skills; through the use of English in
producing a mini documentary.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY

3.1 This competition is open to all primary and secondary school pupils from
government-aided schools. The competition is divided into two categories;

3.1.1 Primary school category : Year 4 to Year 6 only

3.1.2 Secondary school category : Form 1 to Form 5 only

3.2 Each entry is submitted individually. Participants are allowed to submit

ONLY one entry.

Mini Documentary Competition: Rules and Guidelines 2

4.0 THEME

Theme reflecting positive messages and values should be predominant in the video.
The following theme will be used for both categories;

‘Life in lockdown: My story’

5.0 TIME

5.1 The duration of the video should be 5 to 7 minutes.

5.2 Failure to abide by this timeframe will incur a deduction in marks.

6.0 RECORDING AND SUBMISSION

6.1 Participants are allowed to create a mini documentary based on their

creativity but it should not represent or involve any sensitive issues such as
race or religion stereotyping, politics, gender or cultural discrimination, et
cetera.

6.2 Safety should be ensured at all times during the recording of the mini
documentary.

6.3 Participants are allowed to use any video editing tools when creating the
video and encouraged to use virtual props, Computer Generated Images
(CGI) or special effects to make their video more interesting. The recorded
video must be submitted in landscape mode.

6.4 Usage of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras or any other type of
Video Cameras to shoot the video is encouraged. The shot must be at least
of High Definition (HD) Quality at minimum 1280x720 and maximum
1920x1080 resolution.

6.5 Videos must be the pupil’s own work, authentic and original and must never
have been published or have won a prize in any other competition prior to this
competition.

6.6 All sources presented in the video including the sound(s) or song(s) must be
cited to credit the original source. The list of sources will need to be submitted
together with the registration form. Plagiarized works will be disqualified
immediately.

6.7 Professional assistance is NOT allowed in the creation of the video. Adults
may assist with production as supporting actors or camerapersons and
assistance should be limited to verbal guidance only. Pupils should be the
main content contributors of the mini documentary and need to appear

Mini Documentary Competition: Rules and Guidelines 3

 in the video at any stage of the documentary (e.g. beginning or middle
or end).

6.8 Videos should be uploaded on YouTube and set as unlisted. Link to the
video will be submitted to the organizer via suitable means. (i.e. Google Form)

6.9 Video submitted will not be returned to the owner and the organizer reserves
the right to publish the winning videos of this competition. However, the
copyright remains as the property of the owner.

7.0 LANGUAGE AND DEMEANOUR

7.1 It is compulsory to use the English language throughout the video.

Notwithstanding, limited use of certain local Malaysian registers are allowed.

7.2 The video recording must not have English subtitles.

7.3 Use of vulgar words and gestures and gruesome scenes are strictly
prohibited and videos that include sensitive issues such as politics or racial
will be DISQUALIFIED.

7.4 Participants should wear appropriate (decent) attire in accordance to the mini
documentary.

8.0 ADJUDICATION

8.1 A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be appointed for all the rounds at all
levels. The competition at the national level will be judged by a panel of 5
judges, appointed by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of
Education Malaysia.

8.2 Judging will be based on the following criteria:-

8.2.1 Creativity 30 %

8.2.2 Language 30%

8.2.3 Overall Coordination & Quality of Video 30 %

8.2.4 Positive Values / Message(s) 10 %

Total 100%

Mini Documentary Competition: Rules and Guidelines 4

 8.3 Penalty: A total of 5 marks will be deducted if:

8.3.1 performance is below or above designated timeframe.

8.3.2 stipulated exclusions under competition guidelines are infringed

(infringement of competition rules)

8.4 Points will be allocated according to the judging criteria.

8.5 The participant with the majority of votes will be declared the winner.

8.6 The decision of the judges is final. No appeal is allowed.

8.7 Individual marks will not be disclosed.

9.0 PRIZES

9.1 Prizes are awarded as follows:-

• Champion

• Second Prize winner

• Third Prize winner

• Two Consolation Prize winners

9.2 Trophies and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winners.

Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participants.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

*This concept paper is valid as of 2021 until further notification or revision from the Ministry of
Education and can be used at all levels for competitions organised by the Ministry. The competition
will abide to the above rules ONLY.
*All rights reserved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Usage or adaptation by any entities
outside of the ministry requires prior permission.

Division of Sports, Co- Curricular and Arts Division

Ministry of Education Malaysia

Mini Documentary Competition: Rules and Guidelines 5

 MINI DOCUMENTARY
COMPETITION
FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ADJUDICATION FORMS
 MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

SCOPE OF ADJUDICATION: A GUIDE

Overall Positive
Creativity Language Coordination & Values /
Quality of Video Message

• Original / authentic • Suitable commentary • Development & • Clear

continuity
• New / novel / unique • Overall pronunciation
perspective comprehensible • Editing (transition,
flow)
• Music and scenes • Good fluency
• Design (overlays,
• Appropriate tone visual cues)
• Informative &
engaging
• Appropriate • Cinematography
language register (composition of the
recording,
camerawork)

• Music effect
 TIME SHEET

MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS
_______________ LEVEL / YEAR _________

Performance
Team No.
(minutes)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Timekeeper's
Name
Signature

Date
 SCORE SHEET
MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS
_______________ LEVEL / YEAR _________

Judge’s Name: _________________________________ Date : ________________________

Overall Positive
Creativity Language Coordination and Values / Penalty
No Quality of Video Message Comments (Max. Time Total Placing
(30 marks) (30 marks) 5 marks)
(30 marks) (10 marks)
1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Signature : _________________________________
 FREQUENCY COUNT

MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS

_______________ LEVEL / YEAR _________

JUDGE

PLACING TIME 1 2 3 4 5 RESULT

PARTICIPANT

Position Name Signature

Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Judge 5
Date
 MINI DOCUMENTARY
COMPETITION

FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RESULTS
 RESULT

MINI DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY/SECONDARY SCHOOLS

_______________ LEVEL / YEAR _________

TITLE OF MINI
PLACING PARTICIPANT STATE / SCHOOL
DOCUMENTARY

CHAMPION

SECOND

THIRD

FIRST
CONSOLATION

SECOND
CONSOLATION

Position Name Signature

Chief Judge
Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Date