※日本語での要項・規約の記載は英語の後にあります。
Welcome to Japan Film Festival Los Angeles!
We are here to celebrate the art of cinema and form a bridge connecting Japan with the world.
We’re looking for films that deepen cultural understanding, open new perspectives, and capture the beauty, complexity, and profound humanity of Japan.
Whether your story is set in Japan, inspired by Japanese culture, or created in collaboration with Japanese artists — as long as it carries a meaningful connection to Japan, we welcome your submission, including all genres and nationalities.
Coming to our festival is more than just watching films — it’s an immersive cultural experience. Connect with fellow filmmakers and audiences, join Q&A sessions with directors and actors, and be part of a warm, creative community united by a shared passion for cinema and cultural exchange.
Our festival began in 2003 under the name “Chanoma Film Festival.”
“Chanoma” (茶の間) is the traditional Japanese living room — the heart of the home where family and friends gather to talk, laugh, and share life.
That spirit of warmth and togetherness, where people of all generations feel truly at home, remains at the core of who we are, even today.
Join us in Los Angeles to showcase your work and be part of a festival that continues to build bridges between Japan and the world, one film at a time.
🏆 Best Picture
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Director
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Screenplay
(Live-action and animation — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Cinematographer
(Live-action and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Actor / Actress
(Live-action only — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Animator
(Animation only — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Best Editor
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
🏆 Spirit of Japan Award
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
Presented to a film that demonstrates deep respect and understanding of Japanese culture and history, or conveys a message of connecting Japan with the world through artistry.
*Multiple recipients may be selected.
🏆 Visionary Award
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
This award celebrates originality, bold vision, and cinematic innovation.
It recognizes films that challenge convention, push the envelope and explore new cinematic languages.
🏆 Nobuhiko Obayashi Award
(Live-action, animation, and documentary — feature-length, medium-length, and short.)
A special festival award presented only when a film truly embodies the spirit of director Nobuhiko Obayashi — imagination, compassion, and an unshakable belief in the power of cinema to bring hope and peace.
*All awards is not presented annually. Only in years when we have a qualifying film.
