1. Submission Categories and Fees (via FilmFreeway)
Category: International Short Film Category
Eligibility: Competition open to films from around the world
Regular Fee: JPY1,500
Gold Member Fee: JPY1,200
2. Submission Guidelines
* Film Length: 20 minutes or less (including end credits)
* Completion Date: Films completed after January 2024
* Screening History (Premiere Requirements):
Please clearly state your premiere status (World, International, Japan Premiere, etc.) and past screening and award history when submitting your application.
While there are no specific premiere requirements, first-time screenings may be considered during the selection process.
* Language: Films in languages other than Japanese must have Japanese or English subtitles. Japanese films are recommended to have English subtitles.
* Rights: Copyright belongs to the filmmaker. The filmmaker grants the organizers the right to screen the film during the festival and to use the material for promotional purposes.
3. Important Schedule
* Application start: May 1, 2026
* Application deadline: June 30, 2026
* Notification of selection: July 31, 2026
* Film festival dates: September 19 (Sat) – September 22 (Tue/Holiday), 2026
4. Awards & Prizes
A rigorous selection process will be conducted by domestic and international judges, and the following awards will be presented:
* Major Categories: Grand Prix, Audience Award, Jury Award, Director’s Award, Screenplay Award
* Technical & Acting Categories: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Cinematography Award, Music Award
* Special Award: Otawara Gutonsha Award (awarded to works that demonstrate originality and a free spirit of cinema)
* New Director Award
* Tochigi International Film Festival Executive Committee Special Award, and others
5. Main Venue
* Utsunomiya Junior College, Suga Tomomasa Memorial Hall (3829 Shimoarahari-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
6. Notes Regarding Applications
* All applications must be submitted online via FilmFreeway.
* Those involved with the winning entries may be invited to appear on stage for greetings or Q&A sessions during the film festival.
* We are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the selection results.
