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 2023.

Awards & Prizes

Awards

Winner of Under 30 min ¥100,000 (incl. taxes)
Winner of Under 15 min ¥50,000 (incl. taxes)

*These special awards (below) will be selected by the Damah Committee and are still eligible for the grand prizes

Anime Award ¥10,000 (incl. taxes)
Young Creator Award (high school and under)

Rules & Terms

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 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.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • KOTARO YANAGIHARA

    The staff were very warm and polite, and we even had some distinguished guest judges from abroad. It felt like participating in an international film festival without leaving Japan. What made me happiest was the large number of attendees. I would definitely love to participate in this film festival again.

    April 2024
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  • Kenji Tashiro

    It was a fantastic film festival.
    We are very honoured to have our short film "Step by Step" screened as part of the official selection.
    All the films were of high quality, original and sincere. I was greatly inspired by them.
    We are very happy that our film was screened alongside these films.
    We will do our best to come back again!
    Thank you very much to the festival staff!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much being part of Damah! We are eagerly waiting for your next film and look forward to seeing you again next month!!

  • Santiago Esperon

    It was a huge honor to have "Singulars" screened at Damah International Film Festival, and also to win the Grand Prize for the under 30 min. category and the Audience Award!
    Communication was great, the event was very well organized and the quality of the other films was excellent. The networking event was fun and I got to meet a lot of interesting people.
    I recommend it and would love to attend again!

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We were excited to hear that you could join us from abroad and receive your award in person! Congratulations and thank you very much for your kind review. We hope you will be back with another film!

  • Shiho Kozai

    It was a fantastic film festival. All the films were excellent and it was over very quickly. I also attended the social events and it was great to talk to the people I wanted to meet and many others. I would definitely like to attend again!

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind review! It was an honor to screen "Shimako and Shodo Island" which was a heartwarming story in a beautiful setting. We look forward to your next film!

  • Dag-Erik Hansen

    It was a great honor to have our film "A Dream of Hawaii" be screened at the festival and to win the Anime Award this year!
    The communication and information was always good and courteous and even though we were not able to be there in person, it seems like a great event.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We were honored to screen "A Dream of Hawaii" - what beautiful work and congratulations!