CiNEAST Film Festival "CiNEFES!" is an independent film festival held in Tokyo, Japan, celebrating the power of storytelling through film.

Our mission is to create a space where filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts come together, beyond the screen. The festival features screenings of outstanding independent short films, post-screening Q&A sessions, audience award voting, and networking opportunities for creators and viewers alike.

The upcoming edition will be held on October 5, 2025, at Curian Hall, Tokyo. We welcome submissions from filmmakers who can attend the screening event in person.

Please note: Japanese subtitles are required for all non-Japanese language films. Also, participation in the post-screening greeting is mandatory for selected filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award

Rules & Terms

All films must have Japanese subtitles if they are not in Japanese.

Selected filmmakers are required to attend the screening event and participate in the post-screening greeting session.

No travel or accommodation expenses will be covered by the festival.

Accepted formats for screening: MP4 file.

Films should be under 30 minutes in length.

Works previously released are eligible as long as they meet the above criteria.

Audience Award voting will take place during the festival, and winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.

By submitting your film, you agree to allow the festival to use excerpts and images for promotional purposes.