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Shogun

"Shogun" is an anti-war short film that uses history as a mirror for the present.
Set in the brutal Warring States era of Japan, the film reflects the endless cycle of war and destruction that has plagued humanity throughout time. Through the eyes of a solitary samurai, we witness the desolation of the battlefield and the fading of human compassion.

This is not just a story of ancient wars—it is a powerful warning for our world today.
From the chaos of the past, we see an unchanging tragedy in human history. True honor has never been found in conquest or bloodshed, but in the courage to stop the war and end the suffering.

THE STORY BEHIND THE FILM

In the flames of a war-torn era, two fated lovers are bound by duty—yet divided by war.
She is the daughter of a rival warlord; he, a general sworn to conquer her family’s land.
As blades clash and empires burn, their hearts are torn between love and loyalty.
Can they defy destiny, or will they face each other as enemies on the battlefield?
Inspired by the tragic romances of Japan’s Sengoku period, this is a tale of love and betrayal in an age of chaos.

  • MFX Films
    Producer
  • Chih Hao Shen
    Director
  • Chih Hao Shen
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Music Video, Short, Television, Web / New Media, Other
  • Runtime:
    1 minute 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 20, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Taiwan
  • Country of Filming:
    Taiwan
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Lift-Off Filmmaker
    England
    United Kingdom
    Official Selection
  • First-Time Filmmaker
    England
    United Kingdom
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Chih Hao Shen

Storytelling has always been at the core of my creative journey.
As a filmmaker, my work has been honored with awards such as Best Animated Short Film and Best Debut Filmmaker, and officially selected by multiple international film festivals. These recognitions reaffirm my belief in the power of visual storytelling to bridge cultures and emotions.

With over 20 years of experience in film merchandise design — including contributions to the Chinese-language merchandise for "The Lord of the Rings" — and the publication of several digital art books across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and China, I have developed a deep fascination with the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. These influences continue to shape the themes and aesthetics of my films.

Through animation and visual narratives, I aspire to explore universal human experiences — love, destiny, resilience — while reflecting contemporary global issues such as anti-war sentiments, human rights, and environmental concerns.
I believe that even small stories have the potential to inspire profound change.

Looking ahead, I am committed to deepening my cinematic voice, fusing diverse artistic traditions, and contributing meaningful stories to the global creative landscape.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I began crafting this short film, I wasn’t simply interested in telling another story of war. I wanted to create a legend—an ancient tale of samurai spirit, as if uncovering a long-lost chapter of Japan’s Sengoku history.

I aimed to capture the visual language and weight of classic Japanese cinema, drawing inspiration from the timeless works of Akira Kurosawa and the great samurai epics. The goal was not just to present a spectacle, but to evoke the feeling of an old documentary—one that transports the audience back to a time of honor, destiny, and impossible choices.

This is a story of love and betrayal, of loyalty and sacrifice. Every frame, every shadow, and the clash of swords were carefully crafted to carry the gravitas of an era long past—making it feel as though this tale had always existed within the chronicles of the warring states.

This project is not only my creation but also my tribute to the legacy of the Sengoku period. I hope that through this short film, audiences will sense the enduring spirit of those who fought against fate and lived by their code until the end.

This film is part of the "Anti-War Trilogy." The other two films are available below.
https://filmfreeway.com/BlackSun1945
https://filmfreeway.com/Peace53

Finally, we sincerely thank the jury for taking the time to view and consider this film. May we all learn to cherish the present and the people around us.