Welcome to the IMDb qualifying Tokyo Cinema Awards!

Our mission is to promote films, and be another step up in the filmmakers' careers. Each edition, our jury will award the best films through private screenings. The festival seeks to award outstanding independent films based upon their originality and ability to tell a compelling story. All nominees and winners receive laurels as well as Official Selection laurels for those selected to be in the competition. The competition is dedicated to promoting experienced and new filmmakers through a unique and important international film competition. We are searching the globe for shorts and features of all genres to spotlight and support.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Script
Best Short Script
Best Indie Short
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Comedy
Best Science Fiction
Best Student Film
Best Human Rights
Best Environmental
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Composer

Rules & Terms

1. Submissions for the festival is open to feature films, shorts films, animations, and screenplays of any genre.
2. All films must be presented in their original language with English subtitle. Screenplays must be submitted in English language.
3. Films must have been completed within 6 years of current edition of festival. Premiere status is not required.
4. The submitter must have all relevant copyright permissions for all materials included in the submitted work.
57 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Smita Thomas

    We are truly honored to receive the award for our film Pearls on Swine in the Best Experimental Category! We've been holding our breath, anxiously awaiting the response, hoping the jury and audience would have an open mind and truly appreciate what we’ve tried to create. This project was a bold, unconventional step for us, pushing the boundaries of what’s been done in the design film world, and to see it recognized means the world.

    We’re honestly over the moon to be acknowledged for this brave attempt. Thank you, Tokyo Cinema Awards, for celebrating work that dares to be different. Your support means everything to us, and we’re grateful to be part of a community that values innovation and daring creativity.

    June 2025
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  • Nancee LaFayette-Pang

    It's nice to be recognized by this festival for my scripts, whose stories reflect mixed-race relationships.

    June 2025
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  • Gabriel Jeanne

    Thank you for all, guys! Was an honor to be part of your festival.♥️

    June 2025
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  • Chelsea Osei

    It is an honour to receive the award for Best short documentary from Tokyo International Cinema Awards!

    June 2025
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  • Amanda Richards

    We are very honored to be recognized for Best Comedy and Best Actress in this wonderful festival. Excellent experience all around. Thank you Tokyo International Cinema Awards!

    April 2025
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