The Kanazawa Film Festival is an annual event held in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This festival is known for showcasing emerging filmmakers and their works, with a particular emphasis on the uniqueness and diversity of Japanese cinema.

Key features of the Kanazawa Film Festival include:

1. **Diverse Programs**: The festival screens a wide range of films, including new domestic and international releases, classic films, documentaries, and short films. It also features special screenings and thematic programs, allowing film enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of genres and eras.

2. **Director Interaction**: The festival often includes Q&A sessions and symposiums with directors and creators, providing audiences with the opportunity to interact directly with filmmakers. This enhances the understanding of the filmmaking process and the intentions behind the films.

3. **Integration with Local Culture**: Kanazawa is a city where traditional culture and modern elements coexist. The festival leverages the city's beautiful scenery and historical buildings for its venues and events, offering a unique experience for visitors.

4. **Competition Section**: To discover new talent, the festival has a competition section where winning films and directors often gain significant attention. For young filmmakers, this is a prime opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience.

The Kanazawa Film Festival aims to promote cultural exchange through cinema and contribute to the local community, making it an attractive event for both film fans and creators. If you are interested in films, it is definitely worth a visit.

Awards & Prizes

Starting this year, the Kanazawa Film Festival has transitioned away from a competitive, award-based format. Our primary focus is now entirely on celebrating and showcasing each selected film equally, and fostering deeper connections between filmmakers and our audience. Therefore, no official awards will be presented this year.

Rules & Terms

It should be no Japanese movie.
Only non-Japanese movie director can apply to the contest.

*Please check our past photos before submitting your film. If you check those photos, you will see what kind of film we want to screen in the festival.

12 Reviews
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  • Cheol Bin Yim

    I was delighted to have my film, "People in a Circle," selected and honored with the Best Screenplay award. I genuinely champion the unique voice of the Kanazawa Film Festival.

    October 2025
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  • Julia Hebner

    Such a great experience, I'm so honored to have been included.

    September 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for joinning our festival.
    We are glad too.

  • Swastika Films

    I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Kanazawa Film Festival 2024, where my film had its premiere. The festival was impeccably organized, with every detail taken care of by a professional and prompt organizing team. The screening took place in the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, a truly state-of-the-art venue, providing a top-notch cinematic experience. Watching my film in such a high-quality preview cinema, surrounded by an enthusiastic and supportive audience, was an unforgettable moment.

    The post-screening Q&A session was particularly exciting, with engaging questions and a lively discussion. To top it all off, my film won the Best Short Comedy Award! I was also fortunate enough to interact with Sakichi Sato, a jury member whose insights were invaluable.

    The entire experience was remarkable, and I look forward to attending the festival again with my next film. Thank you to the Kanazawa Film Festival for an unforgettable experience!

    September 2024
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  • Seerkatchi Packil Pandian Bhaskaran

    Kanazawa Film Festival is very professional and super-friendly, with absolutely gorgeous trophies! From the submission to the final festival and award, they provide first-class service that makes filmmakers feel unique and essential. I highly recommend the Kanazawa Film Festival as the top film festival choice. Our Film Poyyamozhi got a Best Actor award. Thanks, all juries.

    September 2024
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  • Diogo Andrade

    The organizers were highly responsive and approachable. The festival itself is truly unique and stands out as a one-of-a-kind experience.

    September 2024
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