Information and Guidelines for the short film competition
- Rights and Clearances: Entrants must have all legal rights and clearances for their film.
- Intellectual Property: Filmmakers retain all rights to their work and intellectual property.
- Eligibility for entry：
◦We welcome films from all over the world, regardless of genre or language. ※ Films produced in languages other than Japanese must have English or Japanese subtitles.
◦Completion date: Works must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
◦Short films currently being commercially streamed are not eligible for entry. - How to Apply: All applications will be accepted online only.
◦Domestic category: Google Form or FilmFreeway
◦International Category: FilmFreeway - Deadline compliance: Please submit all materials and transfer the application fee by the deadline. If you do not respond within the deadline, your application may be canceled.
- Entry Fee: Please refer to the entry fee listed when applying for each category.
- Language: Films in a language other than Japanese must have English or Japanese subtitles.
- Screener: Please keep your screener link and password up to date and notify Tochigi International Film Festival immediately of any changes. Please be sure to test your media before submission.
- Multiple entries: Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each film must be submitted separately and follow this guideline.
- Confirmation of application: FilmFreeway users can check the status of their application online. If you applied via Google form, you will receive a confirmation email after submitting. You can contact the Tochigi International Film Festival directly to confirm the status.
- If your film is selected：
◦Applicants who have been selected will be notified by email. If you do not confirm your participation by the deadline, your film may not be screened.
◦Selected applicants must be the filmmaker his/herself of the submitted work and will be asked to sign an “all rights reserved” release prior to the screening.
◦Selected applicants will be responsible for promptly submitting screening copies, trailers, screener links, stills and press kits.
◦All submissions must be in digital format.
◦Selected filmmakers will receive a free invitation to the festival.
◦Screening fees will not be paid. - Privacy: Your personal information will be treated confidentially.
- Promotional Use: Tochigi International Film Festival (TOIFF) may use images of the film for promotional purposes.
- Awards: The following awards will be awarded in the Short Film Competition. Winning entries will be decided by the Short Film Competition Jury and announced during the festival. All awards will be final.
- Grand Prix
- Special Jury Award
- Audience Award
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Cinematography
- Best Writing
- Best Music
- Event Changes: Tochigi International Film Festival reserves the right to change the event format in response to health and safety concerns or government directives. In such cases, entry fees will not be refunded.
