The “Visual Documentary project (VDP)” was started in 2012 by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Kyoto University. Since then, we have held thematic calls annually for short documentary films. The project aims to promote documentary filmmaking in Southeast Asia to complement the growing literature that exists on the region.
In 2014-19, co-sponsorship in partnership with the Japan Foundation Asia Center (JFAC) has further developed this program, raising its visibility and deepening exchanges in Japan and abroad. The project also has linked up with numerous film schools in Southeast Asia to help strengthen the documentary filmmaking networks in the region.
The theme for the 2025 open call is " Living "Deviance"". Submissions are welcomed for short documentaries of up to 30 minutes in length, and must be submitted by citizens from Southeast Asian countries or Japan. Please read the application guidelines carefully before submitting your film. In particular, we accept submissions only through VDP website.
Successful applicants will be invited to Kyoto, Japan, in 2026.
