■TICFF 2026｜About

The Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival (TICFF)
東京国際カナビス映画祭

About TICFF 2026

The Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival (TICFF) is an independent international film festival held in Tokyo, Japan.

More than a conventional film festival, TICFF is designed as a cannabis cultural forum—a space where cinema becomes a medium for dialogue, connection, and new cultural perspectives.

Through selected films from Japan and around the world, TICFF brings together filmmakers, artists, researchers, and audiences to explore cannabis not only as a subject, but as a cultural, social, and human experience.

A Cultural Forum Through Cinema
Selected films may be invited to participate in discussions, talks, or cultural forums as part of the festival program.

At TICFF, films are not treated as isolated works, but as starting points for conversation.

Rather than focusing solely on competition, the festival emphasizes:

dialogue
cultural exchange
community

We aim to create a space where people gather, share perspectives, and form new connections through cinema.

A Unique Perspective from Japan

Japan has a long and complex relationship with cannabis—historically rooted in ritual, craftsmanship, and daily life, yet shaped by decades of strict regulation.

TICFF exists within this unique context.

By presenting films in Tokyo, we offer a perspective that is not purely activist nor purely commercial, but culturally reflective and dialogue-driven.

The festival seeks to reinterpret cannabis culture through a distinctly Japanese lens—shaped by history, aesthetics, and sensitivity to context.

Connecting Global Cannabis Culture

Cannabis culture has evolved across the world through film, music, art, and everyday life.

TICFF serves as a meeting point where these diverse expressions can be shared, reconsidered, and connected.

From pioneering voices to emerging creators, we welcome works that contribute to a broader cultural conversation.

An Intimate and Curated Festival

TICFF is intentionally designed as a small-scale, curated, and community-driven festival.

We prioritize:

carefully selected films
meaningful discussions
close interaction between creators and audiences

This intimate environment allows for deeper engagement and more meaningful exchange.

Festival Identity

TICFF is not simply a platform for screening films.

It is a space where cinema, culture, and dialogue intersect—where new ideas can emerge through shared experience.

We invite filmmakers from around the world to present works that engage with cannabis culture in thoughtful, creative, and original ways.

5th Edition

TICFF 2026 marks the 5th edition of the festival.

Over the years, TICFF has developed as a platform for independent voices and cultural exchange, and continues to evolve as a forum for new perspectives.

We are looking for films that open new perspectives and spark meaningful dialogue.

Awards & Prizes

■TICFF 2026｜Awards & Prizes

🏆 Grand Prix
The highest award of the festival, presented to the film that best represents excellence in cinematic expression, originality, and overall impact within the context of cannabis culture.

🏆 Best Feature Film
Awarded to the most outstanding feature-length film, recognizing excellence in storytelling, direction, and artistic vision.

🏆 Best Short Film
Awarded to the most outstanding short film, recognizing originality, creativity, and the power of concise cinematic expression.

🏆 Ethical Award
Presented to a film that offers a thoughtful and sincere perspective on social, cultural, or human issues related to cannabis.

This award recognizes works that:

challenge prejudice or misunderstanding
engage with questions of justice, community, or human dignity
contribute meaningfully to cultural and social dialogue

🏆 Jury Special Award
Awarded to a film that demonstrates exceptional merit or originality, and receives strong recognition from the jury.

🏆 Audience Award
Presented to the film selected based on audience feedback.

This award reflects the voice of the audience and recognizes the work that resonates most strongly with viewers.

Rules & Terms

■TICFF 2026｜Rules & Terms

1. General Information
The Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival (TICFF) is an international film festival held in Tokyo, Japan.
TICFF is designed as a cultural forum where cinema serves as a medium for dialogue around cannabis culture.
All communication will be conducted primarily in English.

2. Eligibility
Films of any genre related to cannabis culture are eligible.
Films may be submitted whether previously screened or not.
There is no premiere requirement.
The submitter must hold all necessary rights for screening and participation in the festival.

3. Categories
Feature Film: 40 minutes or more (including credits)
Short Film: under 40 minutes (including credits)

All submitted films will be considered for the festival’s awards, regardless of category.

4. Submission Requirements
Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
A secure online screener (FilmFreeway upload, Vimeo, or equivalent) is required.
The submitted version must be in the original language.

5. Subtitles
English subtitles are required for all non-English films at the time of submission.
Films originally in English do not require additional subtitles.
Subtitle materials (SRT files or time-coded scripts) are strongly encouraged at the time of submission.
For selected films, submission of subtitle materials (SRT or time-coded script) will be required for screening preparation.
Selected films are responsible for providing subtitle materials when requested.

6. Entry Fees
Entry fees must be paid via FilmFreeway.
Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

7. Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed through the TICFF screening process.
Official selections and awards will be determined by the festival’s jury process.
The Audience Award will be determined separately based on audience feedback.
The Ethical Award will be selected with additional consideration of social, cultural, and ethical perspectives.

TICFF may include invited or curated films selected through its international network.
These films are considered equally alongside submitted entries in the selection and awards process.

8. Notification
All entrants will be notified of selection results via FilmFreeway.
Selected filmmakers will be contacted with further details regarding screening and participation.

9. Screening Requirements for Selected Films
Selected films must provide a high-quality screening file.
Accepted formats include ProRes, H.264, or other professional screening formats. Detailed technical specifications will be provided upon selection.
Additional materials (such as subtitles, still images, and film information) may be requested.
Selected films will be screened a limited number of times during the festival.
Screenings will be held primarily in physical venues.
Failure to provide required materials may result in disqualification from screening.

Online Screening (For Jury & Audience Award)
In addition to physical screenings, selected films may be included in a limited online screening program for jury review and audience engagement.
This online screening may be conducted via secure platforms such as FilmFreeway or Vimeo, accessible only to registered viewers, jurors, or invited audiences.
Online screenings will be conducted under controlled conditions, including:

- limited availability period
- password-protected or access-controlled viewing
- non-downloadable streaming where possible

Participation in the online screening program is considered part of the festival screening process.
If necessary, specific arrangements regarding online screening may be discussed with selected filmmakers.
The Audience Award may be determined based on feedback collected through this online screening.

10. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, the entrant confirms that they hold all necessary rights, including music and image rights.
TICFF is not responsible for any copyright infringement.
The festival reserves the right to use excerpts, trailers, and images for promotional purposes.

11. Withdrawal & Participation
Once a film is officially selected, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.
Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all rules and regulations.

12. Festival Decisions
The decisions of the festival are final.
TICFF reserves the right to make necessary changes to the festival structure or schedule.

13. Travel & Accommodation
TICFF does not guarantee travel or accommodation support unless otherwise agreed.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wally Zamwa

    I have nothing but praise for this festival and the directors running it. The vision and most of all, ambition is nothing but admirable. Since day one they were very communicative with me and did everything they could to make sure I was as well informed about the process.

    My debut film "Mary & I" won "Best Feature Film" and I was so sad that I couldn't receive the prize in person, but regardless, the communication they had with me made me feel very involved in the process. I'm eager to visit TICFF 2026!

    Thank you again, Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival :)

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Chris Chappell

    My short film won an award this year 2023.

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Jassir Jonis

    Talking to Bushman," my short doc from the Caribbean won at the Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival! Seriously, it's like a big warm hug for my storytelling spirit and a high-five to my island roots.

    Can't wait to dive into the next adventure.

    November 2023
    Helpful