GENERAL RULES
1. The Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival will take place in Tokyo on the 4th of November, 2023.
2. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of the forbidden plant, cannabis in all its forms.
3. In addition to the sections mentioned in the following paragraphs, the Festival also organizes special events such as net-working, guest speakers, director Q&A.
4. Official Selection
4.1 Feature Films
An international competition featuring films, from both Japan and world territories. This section will present films that represent the latest aesthetics and expressive trends in international cinema.
In order to submit to this category, the total running time of the film needs to be 60 minutes or over (including credits).
4.2 Medium Length Films
An international competition featuring seven short films, from both US and world territories. The aim of this section is to showcase short films demonstrating innovation and creative originality.
In order to submit to this category, the total running time of the film needs to be between 30minutes to 60 minutes (including credits).
We welcome narrative, documentary, and comedy films at TlCFF .
4.3 Short Films
An international competition featuring short films, from both Japan and world territories. The aim of this section is to showcase short films demonstrating innovation and creative originality.
In order to submit to this category, the total running time of the film needs to be of less than 30 minutes (including credits).
We welcome narrative, documentary, and experimental projects at TICFF.
4.4. Very Short Films
An international competition featuring Very short films, from both Japan and world territories. The aim of this section is to showcase very short films demonstrating innovation and creative originality.
In order to submit to this category, the total running time of the film needs to be of less than 5 minutes (including credits).
We welcome all SNS videos, documentary, and experimental projects as well as Music videos at TICFF.
5. Juries and Awards
-Best Feature Film
-Best Medium Length Film
-Best Short Film
-Best Very Short Film
There will be no joint winners.
6. Selection of films/projects
Only films that have been registered can be considered for selection.
Film registrations are accepted exclusively online on FilmFreeway.
6.1 Submission Deadline
Submissions will be accepted from July 14th, 2023.
The early bird deadline is August 13th, 2023.
The regular deadline is August 31st, 2023.
The late deadline is September 20, 2023.
The final deadline is October 15, 2023.
Early entry is encouraged but in no way guarantees acceptance. All submissions will be notified by October 23, 2023.
6.2 Registration Fees
For each film submitted to the selection of the Festival, a registration fee is requested to cover administrative and programming costs. Films will only be considered for selection after the entry fee is received.
There are special conditions for film schools and film institutes. Please contact the Program Coordinator on our contact page for further details.
This fee will not be reimbursed under any circumstance.
6.3 Submission Format
Films are to be submitted in their original version for the selection process. Films in English do not require translation. Films in other languages must be subtitled in English.
All Projects must be uploaded via the FilmFreeway Secure Online Screener system or via a Vimeo link entered directly on the online application.
6.4 Subtitles
In case that your film has foreign dialogues please embed Japanese subtitles on the screen on the final screener in order to add value on the screening of your film. We can help you with the Japanese translation if you send us the English .srt file and script, and prepay the Japanese translation cost of $85 for short, $175 for medium film, $250 for a feature documentary film via paypal at nagayoshi@raijin.co.jp . We will send it back to you to embed them on the final screener.
6.5 Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed with your passion, love and unity.
- There is no premiere policy for submission.
6.6 Premiere Status
- There is no premiere policy.
6.7 Submission Fee
All submissions for Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival are to be paid by credit card. The submission fee is non-refundable.
6.8 Festival Submissions
Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival & Hemp Today Japan
1-7-21 Imaizumi Chuo-ku
Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken 810-0021
6.9 Declaration of Rights Upon Submitting a Film
Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival will only accept the submission of a film if the submitter is the holder of all usage rights to the film necessary for the submission and use of the film within the context of participation in TICFF. TCIFF reserves the right to demand appropriate proof of these rights and to reject the submission upon failure to provide it.
6.10 Notification
All the submitted films will be notified on October 23st, 2023 in writing if their film has been successful or not.
If your film is invited to the official selection of Tokyo International Film Fetival, you will be contacted by the Festival in regards to all the logistical and practical details of your screening during the Festival.
7. Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria:
-Strength of story
-Quality of narrative and production values
-Independent nature of the production
-Rebellious spirit
7.1 Selected Films/Projects
The invitation to participate is issued by the Festival Director or the section heads, respectively. Only officially selected films/projects can participate in the Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival.
Upon completion of the Festival selection process, TICFF will attempt to contact the Applicant using the contact information provided on the submission form to notify the Applicant of the Project’s acceptance status. TICFF disavows any responsibility for, and will not be held responsible for any failure to contact the Applicant using the contact information provided on the submission form. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the contact information provided on the submission form is correct.
8. Participants Obligations
No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its participation has been publicized. Participation in the festival requires unconditional adherence to all regulations set out in these guidelines.
The Director of Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival reserves the right to rule on any cases not provided for in these guidelines.
8.1 Announcement
The invitation of a Project to participate must remain confidential until the announcement of the program by the Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival. Failure to comply will result in its exclusion from the selection. The general scheduling and screening times are the sole responsibility of TICFF.
8.2 Screening Formats
Selected films MUST provide an adequate DCP file to be screen (with Japanese subtitles).
The Festival reserves the right to refuse any copy that, on the advice of the Festival technicians, is considered to be of inadequate quality for public screening.
8.3 Catalog
All the material required for the Festival catalog (synopses, cast and credits, biography and a complete filmography of the director, photographs of the director, of actors and scenes from the film in b/w and color, plus a brief director’s comment on the film) must reach the Festival as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days after the end of the extended submission deadline.
8.4 Press Material
The presenters of films participating in the Festival must send the promotional material for distribution to the press and potential buyers (press book, digital images of the film and the director, video material, audio clips, etc.) under separate cover, at their own expense, no later than 10 days after the end of the extended submission deadline, in the quantities that will be requested after the invitation.
8.5 Official Logo
All forms of promotional activity after the presentation of the program by the Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival must mention their participation in the TICFF, including the official logo of the TICFF, as supplied by TICFF. Films awarded a prize must also state which award was won, in accordance with the official graphic designs predetermined and supplied by TICFF.
9. Hospitality
Our hospitality department will be in touch with selected filmmakers to organize attendance and post-screening Q&As.
10. Usage Rights
The participant declares and guarantees that he/she is the holder of all usage rights necessary for the use of the film in the context of this agreement. The participant affirms that any third parties involved in the production and distribution of the film have agreed, where necessary, to its use in the context of Tokyo International Cannabis Film Festival as specified in this agreement. The participant guarantees that by using the film in the context of this agreement, no rights of third parties, including persons depicted in the film, are infringed.
