11th ANNUAL JAPANESE - SERBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

We are excited to announce the open call for submissions to the 11th annual Japanese-Serbian Film Festival (JSFF). This year, our theme is WAVE, encouraging filmmakers to explore and express bold, thought-provoking, innovative, and contemporary ideas through their films.

THEMED NARRATIVE:

WAVE encapsulates three dynamic concepts:

Film Eras: Drawing inspiration from historical movements like the French New Wave and the Serbian Black Wave, we invite filmmakers to channel the revolutionary spirit of these eras and contribute to the evolving narrative of cinema.

Trend: WAVE as a trend reflects the ever-changing landscape of film and media. We are looking for works that capture current societal shifts, emerging styles, and the zeitgeist of our times.

Frequency: Just as waves travel long distances, connecting distant shores, films can bridge cultures and communities. We seek projects that resonate across borders, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

We invite all Japanese and Serbian productions and co-productions, regardless of nationality, to submit their short films, feature films, animations, or J-dramas (one episode per series is also acceptable) for consideration. JSFF remains dedicated to promoting cultural exchange through the power of cinema, and we are excited to continue this tradition with our 11th edition.

The 11th annual JSFF will take place in December 2024, and we encourage all filmmakers to submit their work by October 1st 2024. Submissions are completely FREE OF CHARGE!

ABOUT JSFF
The Japanese-Serbian Film Festival (JSFF) is a bi-city-themed event now in its 11th year. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films from both Japan and Serbia, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Held annually in Belgrade and Tokyo, JSFF offers a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the best of contemporary Japanese and Serbian cinema. The festival has become a significant cultural event and an excellent platform for emerging filmmakers from both countries to showcase their work and connect with international audiences. JSFF is dedicated to the values of quality, fairness, and openness.

CATEGORIES:
SHORT FILMS (under 30 minutes)
FEATURE FILMS (over 60 minutes)
ANIMATION (short or feature-length)
J-DRAMA (under 60 minutes per episode)

JSFF2024 PRESENTS NEW SELECTION OF AWARDS
Award fund and specific awarding allocation to be announced prior to the event.

JSFF FEATURE
■ BEST JAPANESE FILM
■ BEST SERBIAN FILM
Notice: The jury will decide the annual festival's best film from the two.

JSFF SHORTS
■ BEST SHORT FILM
■ BEST JAPANESE SHORT (Serbian Jury Award)
■ BEST SERBIAN SHORT (Japanese Jury Award)

■ NIKOLA STOJANOVIC LEGACY

ELIGIBILITY

- Country of production or co-production: Japan or Serbia (JSFF NATIVE);
- Non-JSFF NATIVE COUNTRIES are able to apply only if the film is co-produced in one of JSFF NATIVE COUNTRIES (Japan or Serbia);
- JSFF NATIVE director who made a film outside of JSFF NATIVE COUNTRIES is allowed to apply.

Qualification terms

🗸Feature film Length: Minimum of 60 minutes.
🗸Short film Length: Maximum of 30 minutes.
🗸J-Drama(up to 2 episodes): Maximum time per episode: 60mins
🗸Animations: Short or Feature will be screened in short or feature sessions; Anime series can allow up to 2 episodes per title, Maximum time per episode: of 60mins
🗸Genre: All genres
🗸Year of Productions: All movies made after January 1st 2023.
🗸Video format: h.264 (DCP - conditional to venue)
🗸English subtitles
🗸Minimum required materials: Poster, Synopsis, Trailer and subtiles (srt file).

***
By applying to JSFF, applicants allow the festival to exhibit/screen films at JSFF travelling events and/or use works for education, and/or festival promotion; JSFF can use the prints for the purpose of PR with maximum care and caution but cannot be held for any unpredictable damage of the file during shipping, use, preview or screening; JSFF also is not responsible for any copyright, trademark, credits to all participants or author rights issues.
By submitting the work, applicants understand that JSFF claims screening rights for a period of 5 years in the line-up of the festival's re-run.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • JSFF is an extraordinary film festival that beautifully fosters the sharing and mutual respect of each other's cultures. I extend my utmost respect and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation of this festival.

    December 2023
  • Maša Šarović

    Wonderful festiva, will go back againl!!

    November 2022
  • Takashi Okado

    A huge shoutout to the entire team for delivering a wonderful festival virtually and being so accommodating and inclusive! . Thank you festival team!

    November 2021
  • laurent ibanez

    JSFF was an amazing Festival. Very friendly and really wanting to help people making movie.
    I hope i'll be able to submit another film to the festival in the future.

    Thanks again to all the team for your time and kindness.

    November 2021
  • Aleksandar Vukasinovic

    Thank you for nice communication and great opportunity to present our work to the audience.

    November 2021