Damah looks to create unique events that foster a true sense of community. Our past events have featured Panel Discussions, Workshops, Interactive Screenings and Q & A sessions, all designed to stimulate discussion and provide a platform for artistic expression.

Taking place in the heart of Tokyo and boasting an impressive panel of Hollywood judges, DIFF has emerged as one of Japan’s most exciting Short Film Festivals. More than ever we look forward to seeing your film, because at Damah, your story matters.

We feature films from any genre and they can be submitted in any acquisition format. The only requirement is that films must be no longer than 30 minutes. Our next Festival & Awards Ceremony will be held in Tokyo, Japan in Spring 2025.

Awards & Prizes

Awards

Grand Prize Under 30 minutes ¥150,000 (incl. taxes)
Grand Prize Under 15 minutes ¥150,000 (incl. taxes)
Hope Award Under 5 minutes ¥150,000 (incl. taxes)*
*This new special award will be selected by our sponsor and the recipient is still eligible for the Under 15 minute Grand Prize.

Honorable Mentions
-Anime Award
-Young Creator's Award
-Audience Award

Hope Award
Our Hope Award honours cinematic work that embody the essence of resilience in the face of adversity, courage in times of uncertainty, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of hope. Whether through inspiring narratives, uplifting characters, or poignant storytelling, these films offer a ray of hope that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. To be eligible for the Hope Award the film is required to be under 5 minutes in length.

Rules & Terms

*Please note exact festival dates will be confirmed with venue is confirmed for April 2026. We anticipate the April 18th weekend of April 25th weekend.

Please read all rules and requirements before submitting your project:

1. All non-English films must include English subtitles.

2. All films must be under 30 minutes.

3. As a community we value storytellers that are able to tell complex and beautiful stories without resorting to explicit nudity and violence, especially when it is used for shock value and not as an integral and essential part of the story.

4. Please submit all film submissions (vimeo screener preferred) on FilmFreeway.

5. By submitting your film, you agree that Damah International Film Festival (DIFF) can use parts or all of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster on our website in print, or electronic media, etc.) for promotional purposes.

6. To submit a film, you must have created the project yourself, own the rights or have permission from the owner of the content.

7. You agree to indemnify us and hold us and our employees, owners, affiliates, and partners harmless from all claims and liability associated with your participation or entry to DIFF.

8. All fees are non-refundable.

9. Screening materials are managed with great care to avoid any troubles.

10. DIFF reserves the right to refuse to accept any submission deemed by the Festival to be inappropriate.

11. After the preliminary selection, the international jury’s decisions are final.

12. The festival dates and location are subject to change.

13. In order for your film to be considered for competition, it must not be available to the public online.

14. All international films once selected for screening MUST have Japanese subtitles, if in another language. DIFF will supply non-Japanese films with a complimentary SRT file for adding Japanese subtitles to the film. Filmmakers will be required to add the SRT file to their film for festival screening.

15. Terms and conditions are subject to change. Any amendments will be posted on our website.
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kora Lee

    I’m very honoured to have the opportunity to screen my animation, Here and There, at the Damah International Film Festival. I travelled from Melbourne to Tokyo to attend the 25th celebration. Communication was seamless thanks to the team and all the volunteers. We had many networking opportunities to meet talented filmmakers from all over the world. I felt very welcome and inspired by such a warm community. The encouragement has ignited my passion to keep working on what I love. Stories connect us: we listen, we watch, and we pass our stories on again, like a warm, ever-flowing stream.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Jonathan Wilhelmsson

    I’m so happy that I got to be a part of the 25th Damah International Film Festival, and that I decided to come to Tokyo all the way from Sweden. Incredibly solid selection of films. I’m so honoured that my film ‘Spooky Encounters of the Sad Kind’ got to be among them, and that I got to meet and connect with some incredibly talented filmmakers! Also super thankful for the entire team and the volunteers behind the festival who set up such a wonderful event. The passion of everyone involved was really inspiring. Hoping to come back in the future!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Jonathan, for your kind review. It was very special to have you come all the way from Sweden to be part of our weekend and for the opportunity for other filmmakers to also meet you. We are so looking forward to seeing you again!

  • Takafumi Sakabe

    One of the best international film festivals in Japan. And every single film had a strong story and a message. As a filmmaker, it gave me so much energy and inspiration as a storyteller.
    And it was a really nice time to connect with filmmakers from all over the world.
    Hospitality is amazing and very "At home" feeling.
    Congratulations on your 25th anniversary, and I'm looking forward to seeing the next 25 years.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for being part of the Damah family! Thank you for challenging us to think more deeply with your beautiful work.

  • Ling Zhao

    It was such a great experience with Damah!

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for being part of Damah. What a beautiful film!

  • Jan Lin Lee

    Such a classy little indie short film festival in Tokyo! All around wonderful people and atmosphere. Hibiya is such a lovely spot to hold a film fest screening. Damah went above and beyond in its exceptional hospitality - it's in the little details that's like cherry-top to its great selection of short films. Will be happy to continue to support this festival in future years!

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this kind review and being part of Damah! We are very eager to see more of your excellent films.