Now accepting submissions — Season open

TOKYO SHORTFEST

An online festival dedicated to celebrating international independent short films and showcasing creative storytelling from around the world.

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About the Festival

Where Independent Cinema Meets the World

Tokyo ShortFest is an online event built to harness the transformative power of film.

The Tokyo ShortFest is an online event dedicated to celebrating international independent short films and showcasing creative storytelling from around the world. Our mission is to introduce these remarkable films to a wide audience in Japan and beyond, providing a unique cultural alternative to mainstream cinema. We are committed to supporting independent filmmakers and promoting the art of filmmaking along with its related disciplines.

Established to harness the transformative power of film, Tokyo ShortFest aims to foster inter-cultural understanding and build a shared artistic experience among diverse audiences. Each season, our esteemed jury carefully selects winners in various categories through private screenings, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation process. The victorious films from each edition gain the opportunity to be featured in our exclusive online screenings, offering a platform for these exceptional works to reach an even broader audience.

Join us at Tokyo ShortFest to experience the beauty of independent cinema, celebrate the creativity of filmmakers worldwide, and engage in a cultural exchange that transcends borders.

⛩ī¸ Our Mission

To celebrate the art of the short film, champion independent storytellers from every corner of the globe, and build bridges between cultures through the universal language of cinema.

Interviews & Testimonials

Voices From Our Filmmakers

★★★★★

"Tokyo ShortFest gave my debut short the recognition I never expected. The IMDb-verified award listing opened real doors for my next project."

A
Aya K.Best First-Time Filmmaker — Tokyo, Japan
★★★★★

"A festival that actually watches your film. The jury feedback was thoughtful, and screening alongside storytellers from 30+ countries was an honor."

M
Marco R.Official Selection — SÃŖo Paulo, Brazil
★★★★★

"As a student filmmaker, finding a festival with a dedicated student category — and a jury that takes experimental work seriously — meant everything."

L
Lena S.Best Student Short — Berlin, Germany
Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility
  • Short films up to 30 minutes (including credits).
  • All languages welcome — non-English films must include English subtitles.
  • Student and first-time filmmaker categories require proof of status.
Selection & Judging
  • The international competition jury selects winners through private screenings.
  • Judging is based on storytelling, originality, direction and craft.
  • All decisions of the jury are final.
Rights & Screening
  • The applicant must own or clear all rights to the film.
  • By submitting, you grant Tokyo ShortFest permission to screen your film in our exclusive online screenings.
  • Excerpts, stills and the trailer may be used for promotional purposes.
Fees & Deadlines
  • Submission fees vary by category and deadline — see current rates on our FilmFreeway page.
  • Reduced rates for student films and first-time filmmakers.
  • Submission fees are non-refundable.

Ready to Share Your Story with Tokyo?

Submissions are open now on FilmFreeway. Join hundreds of independent filmmakers bringing their stories to the world.

đŸŽŦ Submit Your Film
Contact

Get in Touch

✉ī¸ Email: outreach@tokyoshortfest.com
✉ī¸ Response time: within 2–3 business days
✉ī¸ Format: fully online festival — no geographic restrictions
✉ī¸ Press: reach out with "PRESS" in the subject line
🎞ī¸