Welcome to the Kyoto "Kawaramachi" Film Festival - an enthralling international cinematic event where the traditional meets the modern. In the cozy district of Kawaramachi, we create the perfect balance between history and modernity in the world of cinema. Here, in the atmosphere of the Kyoto Art Center, each frame becomes a colorful stained glass, revealing the astonishing fusion of Japanese culture and world cinema. We invite you to become part of this unique event, where the art of film blossoms under the cherry blossoms of Kyoto.

Our selection process for the Kawaramachi Kyoto Film Festival is meticulously curated, beginning with an initial review of digital submissions through FilmFreeway. Films that pass this stage are then featured in a series of screenings, providing filmmakers a distinguished platform to showcase their work to a discerning audience.

This year's festival is scheduled for September, set in the culturally city of Kyoto.

Awards & Prizes

At the festival, outstanding creative minds will be awarded unique samurai-shaped statuettes, embodying not only beauty but also the strength and artistry of cinema. Distinguished works will become the proud holders of these elegant symbols. Award winners will also have the opportunity to present their works at our festival, providing audiences with the chance to immerse themselves in the world of cinema through the lenses of talented directors.

Rules & Terms

Official Submission Guidelines Kawaramachi Kyoto Film Festival

Article 1: Genre Eligibility
1.1 The festival accepts film submissions in various genres including, but not limited to, drama, comedy, documentary, and experimental projects.

Article 2: Language and Subtitling Requirements
2.1 Submissions may be in any language. If the original language is not Japanese, the provision of English subtitles is mandatory.

Article 3: Format of Submissions
3.1 The festival accepts submissions in both short and feature-length formats.
3.2 Short films are defined as having a duration of up to 50 minutes.
3.3 Feature-length films are those exceeding 50 minutes in duration.
3.4 All submissions must be in digital format.

Article 4: Submission Deadlines and Announcement of Results
4.1 The closing date for submissions is updated regularly on the official FilmFreeway page.
4.2 The announcement of results will also be available on the official FilmFreeway page.

Article 5: Modification of Festival Dates
5.1 The festival organizers reserve the right to alter the festival dates at their discretion without prior notice.
5.2 All participants will be informed in the event of any changes to the schedule.

Article 6: Organizational Discretion in Selection and Rejection of Submissions
6.1 The selection of winning submissions is at the sole discretion of the festival organizers.
6.2 The organizers reserve the right to reject any submission without obligation to provide justification, particularly in cases where submissions do not comply with the festival's rules and standards.

Article 7: Eligibility Criteria
7.1 All filmmakers, regardless of nationality or experience level, are eligible to submit their films.
7.2 Employees and family members of the festival organizers are not eligible to participate.

Article 8: Submission Fees
8.1 Details regarding submission fees, if any, are available on the official FilmFreeway page.
8.2 Fees are non-refundable, except in circumstances deemed exceptional by the festival organizers.

Article 9: Technical Requirements and Submission Process
9.1 Initial submissions must be made in digital format via the FilmFreeway platform.
9.2 After the initial selection process, the festival organizers will contact the filmmakers to request a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) version of the selected films for final screening.

Article 10: Intellectual Property and Rights
10.1 By submitting, filmmakers confirm they hold all necessary rights and permissions for both the film and its content, including music and other intellectual property.
10.2 The festival reserves the right to use posters and publicly available marketing material associated with the submitted films for promotional purposes without prior consent from the filmmaker.
10.3 The use of film excerpts, including trailers, for promotional purposes is subject to prior approval and agreement with the filmmaker.

Article 11: Privacy and Data Use
11.1 Personal data collected during the submission process, including emails, will be used solely for the purpose of the festival. This includes communications regarding the festival and email newsletters from the festival and its partners.
11.2 Participants will have the option to opt out of these email communications at any time by unsubscribing via a link provided in the newsletter.

Article 12: Liability and Indemnity
12.1 The festival is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or late submissions.
12.2 Filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival from any claims arising from their submission.

Article 13: Compliance and Disqualification
13.1 Non-compliance with any of the festival’s rules may result in disqualification.
13.2 The festival organizers reserve the right to disqualify any submission that is deemed inappropriate or offensive.

Article 14: Amendments to Guidelines
14.1 The festival organizers reserve the right to amend these guidelines as necessary. Any changes will be communicated through the official FilmFreeway page.