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.

Anime Award**
Young Creator Award (high school and under)**
**These special awards will be selected by the Damah Committee and are still eligible for the grand prizes

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 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.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yuichiro Nakada

    I am grateful for my short, "Gift" has been screened in Damah International Film Festival. Good selections and programs. Very hospitable and good networking opportunities are provided. Thank you!

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We are so grateful that "Gift" was part of Damah this year. We look forward to many more touching stories like this.

  • Jinrung Chun

    Many people came from overseas, and I enjoyed interacting with them.
    Hibiya Park, where the venue is located, was also comfortable and I enjoyed walking around.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for coming to Tokyo and being part of Damah for the entire weekend! Please come back with a new film!

  • Tuomas Tuppurainen

    Was honored to have my short film The Brightest Star win the best animation category at Damah film festival! Communication was great, event was amazing and well worth the trip. Great films at the heart of Tokyo!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the opportunity to screen your film here at Damah! It was an honor to have you here in Tokyo with us. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing your future work.

  • 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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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for being part of Damah this year.
    Congratulations on a successful short film. We look forward to seeing you at Damah again!

  • 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!!