About us :

Welcome to the Tokyo Women's Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of women's voices in cinema. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Tokyo, a city renowned for its blend of tradition and modernity, our festival showcases films that either highlight women's stories or are directed by talented women filmmakers from around the globe.

At the heart of our online festival is a commitment to amplifying the diverse perspectives and experiences of women. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, foster understanding, and bridge cultural divides. By focusing on films that explore women's lives, challenges, triumphs, and creativity, we aim to create a space where these narratives can shine.

Our festival features a curated selection of films that span genres and styles, from thought-provoking dramas and insightful documentaries to innovative animations and compelling shorts. Each film offers a unique perspective on the female experience, whether through the lens of a female director or a story centered on women's lives.

Join us at the Tokyo Women's Film Festival, where we celebrate the artistry, resilience, and creativity of women in cinema. Whether you are a filmmaker, a film lover, or someone passionate about women's stories, our festival offers a unique and enriching experience in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Awards & Prizes

Awards/ Categories

To ensure a comprehensive celebration of women's voices in cinema, our festival features a diverse range of categories. These categories are designed to recognize and honor different aspects of filmmaking and storytelling, providing a platform for a wide array of talents and narratives.

1 Best Feature Film
◦ Awarded to the best full-length film (over 60 minutes) that either tells a compelling story about women or is directed by a woman.

2 Best Short Film
◦ Recognizes outstanding short films (under 40 minutes) that highlight women's stories or are crafted by female directors.

3 Best Documentary
◦ Honors exceptional documentary films that focus on women's issues, achievements, and experiences, or are directed by women.

4 Best Animation
◦ Celebrates animated films that tell unique and imaginative stories about women or are created by female animators.

5 Best Experimental Film
◦ Acknowledges innovative and avant-garde films that explore women's narratives or are directed by women, pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.

6 Best Debut Film
◦ Recognizes the best first feature or short film by a woman director, celebrating new voices in the industry.

7 Best Director
◦ Awarded to a woman director for outstanding achievement in directing, regardless of the film's subject.

8 Best Screenplay
◦ Honors the best screenplay written by a woman or focusing on women's stories.

9 Best Cinematography
◦ Recognizes excellence in cinematography in films that tell women's stories or are shot by female cinematographers.

10 Best Actress
◦ Celebrates the best performance by an actress in a leading role in any film shown at the festival.

11 Best Supporting Actress
◦ Celebrates the best performance by an actor in a leading role in any film shown at the festival.


12 Best Student Film
◦ Celebrates outstanding films made by students that focus on women's stories or are directed by female students.

13 Best International Film
◦ Honors the best non-Japanese film that either tells a compelling story about women or is directed by a woman.

14 Best Japanese Film
◦ Recognizes the best film made by a Japanese filmmaker that either focuses on women's stories or is directed by a woman.

15 Best LGBTQ+ Film
◦ Celebrates films that explore the intersection of gender, sexuality, and women's experiences, directed by or featuring women.

16 Best Ensemble Cast
◦ Recognizes a film with outstanding collective performances by its cast, highlighting the strength of women's roles in the film

Rules & Terms

Festival Regulations

1 Eligibility
◦ Films must either be directed by a woman or focus on women's stories, regardless of the director's gender.
◦ Films can be of any genre, including feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, and experimental films.

2 Submission Guidelines
◦ All submissions must be completed through FilmFreeway.
◦ Each submission must include a completed entry form, a preview copy of the film, and any required documentation.
◦ Submission fees, if applicable, must be paid in full at the time of submission.

3 Selection Process
◦ Films will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of industry professionals.
◦ Due to the high volume of submissions, we do not provide feedback on non-selected projects.
◦ Selected films will be notified via email. Non-selected films will not receive individual notifications.

4 Screening Rights
◦ By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the Tokyo Women's Film Festival the rights to screen their film during the festival.
◦ Filmmakers also grant the festival the right to use excerpts, trailers, and still images for promotional purposes.

5 Communication
◦ Due to a shortage of staff, it may take up to 5 business days to respond to email inquiries.
◦ Please be patient and avoid sending multiple emails regarding the same query.

6 Film Formats
◦ All films must be submitted in the specified digital format. Details will be provided upon selection.
◦ This is an online event and we only screen the winner project . Selected films must be provided in a high-quality format suitable for screening.

7 Awards and Prizes
◦ The festival will present awards in various categories as outlined in the festival program.
◦ Award recipients will be selected by a jury of industry professionals.

8 Code of Conduct
◦ All participants must adhere to the festival's code of conduct, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment.
◦ Any form of harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the festival.

9 General Rules
◦ The festival reserves the right to make changes to the program and schedule.
◦ Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all regulations.

By adhering to these roles and regulations, we aim to create a well-organized and respectful environment that celebrates women's contributions to cinema and provides a memorable experience for all participants.
55 Reviews
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  • patricia planck

    The work of the Tokyo Women Film Festival is a meaningful reminder that lasting change begins by creating opportunities for women's voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through its unwavering commitment to championing female storytellers and stories centred on women, the festival continues to elevate perspectives that have too often been overlooked, helping shape a more inclusive future for cinema.

    Women who persist against the odds embody extraordinary courage, resilience, and quiet strength. They uplift others through countless acts of generosity and determination, often without recognition. For far too long, the contributions of women have been underestimated or minimised, despite the profound impact they have had on their communities, industries, and the world.

    With The Armchair Travellers, we are proud to place women at the heart of the story. By doing so, we honour the remarkable forces they represent and provide a platform for voices that deserve to resonate with audiences worldwide. Our narrative celebrates women whose resilience, intelligence, compassion, and leadership may not always command the spotlight, yet whose influence leaves an enduring mark on everyone they touch.

    We are deeply grateful to the Tokyo Women Film Festival for recognising and championing stories that place women at the forefront of cinema. Their dedication not only celebrates exceptional filmmaking but also inspires a new generation of storytellers, ensuring these voices continue to shape the future of our industry.

    Patricia Planck (Mamiko)
    The Armchair Travellers Screenplay

    July 2026
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  • ELENA RODICA ROTARU

    Sono davvero felice di essere selezionata in semifinale con il mio film documentario @Viaggio in Turchia “
    Vorrei ringraziare a tutti coloro che hanno organizzato questa manifestazione per il cinema ! Grazie mille a tutto staff di Tokyo festival ! Un abbraccio a tutti Elena RODICA Rotaru

    July 2026
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  • Alex Victor Trinity

    I am really thrilled that my two films were selected for the semi-final, in their category. Thank you very much. It's an honor for me.

    July 2026
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  • Bolero Patrizia Masi

    Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to participate in your Tokyo Women Film Festival!
    I am delighted that my film, *Rosso Improvviso* (Suddenly Red), was selected as a Semi-Finalist for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Cast. Reaching the semi-finals—or even the finals—among hundreds of feature, medium-length, and short films is truly a miracle. This recognition honors the talent, dedication, and sacrifices of an extraordinary team that believed in this film from the very first take 🎬.
    A special thank you goes to the Festival Organizers and to every single professional who played a part in this ongoing journey. Now, we await the next verdict with the same enthusiasm we felt on the first day of filming 🚀.
    I am so proud of this incredible team. The journey continues! 🏆 Thank you again for the amazing thrill you’ve given me ❤️ Patrizia Masi

    July 2026
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  • Abigail Zealey Bess

    THE LION was honoured and grateful to receive semi-finalist for this festival. With Thanks and Big Lion Roars of gratitude!

    May 2026
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