Categories & Awards

Categories & Fees

Our international competition jury presents awards across a wide range of categories each season.

awards-prizes
Best Japanese Short Film
Best Foreign Short Film
Best Documentary Short
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Student Short
Best First-Time Filmmaker Short
Best Music Video
Best Horror Short
Best Producer
Best Female Director
Best Male Director
Best Female Student Director
Best Male Student Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best New Actress / Actor
Best Acting Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Original Score
Best Screenwriting
Best Women Empowerment Film
Best Human Rights Film
Best LGBTQ Film
Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility
  • Short films up to 30 minutes (including credits).
  • All languages welcome — non-English films must include English subtitles.
  • Student and first-time filmmaker categories require proof of status.
Selection & Judging
  • The international competition jury selects winners through private screenings.
  • Judging is based on storytelling, originality, direction and craft.
  • All decisions of the jury are final.
Rights & Screening
  • The applicant must own or clear all rights to the film.
  • By submitting, you grant Tokyo ShortFest permission to screen your film in our exclusive online screenings.
  • Excerpts, stills and the trailer may be used for promotional purposes.
Fees & Deadlines
  • Submission fees vary by category and deadline — see current rates on our FilmFreeway page.
  • Reduced rates for student films and first-time filmmakers.
  • Submission fees are non-refundable.

Ready to Share Your Story with Tokyo?

Submissions are open now on FilmFreeway. Join hundreds of independent filmmakers bringing their stories to the world.

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