Application Guidelines:
1. Eligibility
① Eligibility: There are no restrictions based on experience, age, gender, or nationality.
② Completion Date: The film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
③ Running Time: Both short and feature-length films are eligible, but the maximum running time is approximately 120 minutes.
④ Screening Material: Screening material must be available in digital format.
⑤ Language: If the original language of the work is not Japanese, English subtitles must be provided.
⑥ Unreleased Works: Priority will be given to works that have not been theatrically released or broadcast on television in Japan prior to December 2026.
2. Ethical Guidelines and Copyright
① Confirmation of Consent: Ensure that all necessary copyright procedures for videos, images, and music have been completed, and obtain the consent of all relevant parties who hold the rights to the subjects and the work.
② Ethics: Adopt an ethical and responsible approach that respects the dignity and culture of the people being filmed.
3. How to Apply
① Application Fee: 2,000 yen.
② How to Apply: Please apply via FilmFreeway.
* Filmmakers based in Japan may also apply via the URL below.
4. Awards and Prizes
◉ Selected films will be screened at the "Tokyo Documentary Film Festival 2026" held at Shinjuku K's Cinema.
◉ For films without Japanese subtitles, the TDFF Secretariat will provide Japanese subtitles.
◉ Awards
Grand Prix: A cash prize and a commemorative gift will be awarded.
Second Prize: A cash prize and a commemorative gift will be awarded.
Audience Award: Selected by audience vote.
5. Screening Fees
The TDFF Secretariat does not pay screening fees to filmmakers.
We do not make any payments under any circumstances, including commissions to distributors; please submit your entry with a full understanding of these terms.
6. Screening Rights
All copyrights belong to the filmmakers. The TDFF Secretariat reserves the right to screen submitted films at least twice during the festival. Films may also be screened as part of a touring program scheduled to take place in Osaka. In addition, films may be screened as part of the festival’s outreach activities, but we will consult with the filmmakers in advance.
7. Notification of Selection
Notification of selected entries will be sent via FilmFreeway in early September 2026.
Unselected applicants will also be notified.
8. Documents to Submit After Selection
Please have the following documents ready, as you will be required to submit them within two weeks of receiving notification of your selection.
① English subtitles script with timecodes for Japanese subtitle translation
② English subtitles in SRT format
③ Clean footage of the film (H.264 or ProRes file. Without subtitles.)
※Please send via online storage such as Vimeo or Google Drive.
④ Film still cuts (2 high images)
⑤ Film information: Official title, Director's name, Production year, Running time
⑥ Brief Synopsis. (100-150 words)
⑦ Portrait of director. (1 high image)
⑧ Director's profile (100-150 words)
⑨ Director's statement(100-150 words)
⑩ Film trailer (will be posted on the TDFF website; if unfinished, it can be submitted later)
⑪ If a Japanese subtitled version of the footage already exists, please provide it.
9. Other
The TDFF Secretariat may recommend selected films to "ETHNOS CINEMA," an online streaming platform that showcases ethnographic films in Japan.
