The Tokyo ShortFest is a dynamic celebration of international independent short films, dedicated to showcasing creative storytelling from around the globe. Our mission is to introduce these remarkable films to a wide audience in Japan and beyond, providing a unique cultural alternative to mainstream cinema. We are committed to supporting independent filmmakers and promoting the art of filmmaking along with its related disciplines.

Established to harness the transformative power of film, Tokyo ShortFest aims to foster inter-cultural understanding and build a shared artistic experience among diverse audiences. Each season, our esteemed jury carefully selects winners in various categories through private screenings, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation process. The victorious films from each edition gain the opportunity to be featured in our exclusive online screenings, offering a platform for these exceptional works to reach an even broader audience.

Join us at Tokyo ShortFest to experience the beauty of independent cinema, celebrate the creativity of filmmakers worldwide, and engage in a cultural exchange that transcends borders.

Awards & Prizes

Categories :

1: Best Japanese Short Film

Celebrating the most outstanding short film across all genres from Japan.

2: Best Foreign Short Film

Honoring exceptional international short films.

3: Best Documentary Short

Awarding the best short documentary that captivates and informs.

4: Best Animated Short

Recognizing excellence in animated storytelling.

5:Best Experimental Short

Showcasing innovative and avant-garde short films.

6: Best Student Short

Highlighting the finest work from student filmmakers.

7: Best First-Time Filmmaker Short

Encouraging and awarding new filmmakers for their debut short films.

8: Best Music Video

Celebrating creativity and excellence in music video production.

9: Best Horror Short

Recognizing the most thrilling and chilling horror short films.

10: Best Producer

Honoring outstanding achievement in film production.

11: Best Female Director

Awarding the best short film directed by a female filmmaker.

12: Best Male Director

Awarding the best short film directed by a male filmmaker.

13: Best Female Student Director

Recognizing exceptional directing by a female student filmmaker.

14: Best Male Student Director

Recognizing exceptional directing by a male student filmmaker.

15: Best Actress

Celebrating the best performance by an actress in a short film.

16: Best Actor

Celebrating the best performance by an actor in a short film.

17: Best New Actress / Actor

Honoring a standout performance by a new or emerging actor or actress.

18: Best Acting Ensemble

Recognizing outstanding collective performances by a cast.

19: Best Cinematography

Awarding excellence in visual storytelling and camera work.

20: Best Editing

Celebrating the art and skill of film editing.

21: Best Original Score

Awarding the best original music score in a short film.

22: Best Screenwriting

Celebrating exceptional writing and storytelling in a short film.

23: Best Women Empowerment Film

Honoring films that highlight and promote women's empowerment.

24: Best Human Rights Film

Recognizing short films that address and advocate for human rights.

25: Best LGBTQ Film

Celebrating films that represent and promote LGBTQ stories and themes

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms:

Eligibility: All films must have been produced in or after 2019.

Duration: Short films must have a maximum runtime of 45 minutes.

Copyright: Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary rights and clearances for all materials in their films.

Semi-Finalist: These include all films nominated for an award in a specific category. Not all nominated films will be screened.

Official Selection: Films selected for screening from the nominations will be notified via email. If you receive a Semi-Fonalist email but not an Official Selection email, your film is still eligible for an award but will not be screened.

Award Winners: Winners are chosen from the Semi-Finalist films, which include those in the Official Selection.

Promotion: We may use clips from your film for promotional purposes on social media, based on the press kits provided.

Festival Changes: We reserve the right to change the festival date and venue under special circumstances. Any changes will be communicated via email and our online platforms.

Premiere Status: There are no restrictions on premiere status or previous online availability.

Technical Issues: Filmmakers are fully responsible for any technical issues with their submitted films. If a film has technical problems or lacks English subtitles (if in another language), it will be automatically rejected without a refund. Please contact the festival team immediately if there are any issues with your submission for assistance.

Refunds: We do not provide refunds for any reason.

Terms Update: We reserve the right to update our terms and conditions as necessary.
32 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Chiara Basile Fasolo

    Thank you to the festival for choosing “Double Code” as a Semi-Finalist.
    This acknowledgment means a lot to me.
    I sincerely value the attention given to my work.

    April 2026
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  • Russell Blalack

    The Tokyo ShortFest is truly boundary-stretching and we were immensely pleased to be selected Semi-Finalist for Best Original Score.

    April 2026
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  • Mira Kim

    Thank you for recognizing my film and the memories inside it. The Korea of my childhood carried heavy pain, but it also carried a quiet strength. That strength came from people—parents who protected their children, neighbors who shared food, and communities that held each other up. With AI as a new artistic tool, I was able to rebuild those moments with respect and tenderness. I am grateful that this festival allowed those memories to be seen and felt.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Iancu Tiberiu Alin

    Behind SIlent Eyes Production's would like to express our gratitude to Tokyo ShortFest, for selecting and recognizing my documentary film as
    - " Semi finalists " .

    The experience and the staff were very kind and attentive. I thank you again and look foward to doing further work down the road.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Rupert Poeschl

    I am deeply honored to receive this award for our documentary film. As a first-time filmmaker, this recognition is both a humbling surprise and a profound encouragement.
    This award, however, does not belong to me alone. It is, above all, a tribute to the refugees at Dzaleka Refugee Camp and the host community in Malawi whose lives and voices shaped this film. We are grateful for their trust and courage in allowing us to share the Tumaini festival - the only Cultural festival in a refugee camp worldwide.
    To the jury and the organizers, thank you for recognizing the value of refugees story. May this honor serve not only as a celebration of our work, but as a continued call to listen, reflect, and engage with the voices of refugees worldwide.

    March 2026
    Helpful