Japan International Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 26 March 2027      Festival end: 27 March 2027

Held at Tokyo International Airport during Sakura season, this international film festival features a Red Carpet Opening Gala and Big Screen projections! Submit your trending Vertical Films and Fully Generative AI Films, and vie for the unique "Kawaii" Award. Your chance is here! This is Your Legendary Gateway to the Film World. Experience a festival of "Omotenashi" (Japanese Hospitality) symbolizing international peace.

Welcome to the Japan International Film Festival (JPIFF, pronounced "Jay-Pif").

JPIFF is more than just a festival; it is a global celebration of cinematic artistry bridging the East and the West. Located in Japan, a country with a profound history of storytelling and visual arts, we are dedicated to discovering and promoting visionary filmmakers from every corner of the globe.

The Ultimate Stage: Sakura & The Gateway to Tokyo
Imagine screening your film at the very gateway to Japan, during the legendary Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season. JPIFF offers an unparalleled cinematic experience at the exclusive TIAT SKY HALL, located directly within Haneda Airport Terminal 3. This is not just a venue; it is a world-class stage exclusively reserved for JPIFF, offering a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere found nowhere else in the world.


Why Submit to JPIFF?

* Unrivaled Location: Showcase your work in the heart of Tokyo's international hub. The combination of Japan's most iconic season—Sakura—and a state-of-the-art airport venue creates a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for your film's Japanese debut.

* Prestigious Recognition: Winning an award at the "Japan International Film Festival" adds significant weight and prestige to your film’s biography. Our laurels are designed to stand out on your promotional materials.

* Connection to Japan: For international filmmakers, breaking into the Japanese market can be challenging. JPIFF serves as your bridge, bringing your work to the attention of Japanese audiences and industry professionals.

* Global Networking: We create opportunities for filmmakers to connect, share ideas, and foster future collaborations across borders.


Event & Screening Format:

JPIFF is a physical festival held at Haneda Airport, designed to respect the busy schedules of filmmakers while maximizing global reach.

* Live Screenings at TIAT SKY HALL: The festival culminates in a spectacular physical event with a live audience. On the main screen, we will feature Special Presentations (Director's Message & Film Highlights) for nominated films to showcase their essence to the audience and industry professionals.

* Full Feature Screening: As a highlight of the physical event, select award-winning films, such as the winner of the Japan International Peace Film Award (Grand Prix), will be screened in their entirety at the venue.

* Online Access (Judge & Industry): To ensure thorough evaluation, all nominated films will be available for viewing via our secure online portal for authorized judges and attendees leading up to the festival.


Power of Connection & Future Vision:

The founder of JPIFF holds a proven track record of extensive partnerships with the entertainment industry across Japan and Asia, as well as with leading Japanese corporations. We are constantly developing exciting new collaborations to elevate the festival experience. Please check our Official Website and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on these expanding opportunities!

Exclusive PR Opportunities:
On our Official Website ([https://jpiff.com/](https://jpiff.com/)), films selected by the founder's unique perspective—regardless of award status or official selection—may be featured in special interview articles. We are dedicated to supporting your PR efforts and helping your work gain traction in the Japanese and Asian markets.


Hospitality & Benefits for Filmmakers:

We welcome filmmakers from all over the world with our spirit of "Omotenashi."

* Visit Support: Please note that travel expenses, accommodation costs, and VIP Passports are self-funded. However, we provide full support for your visit, including issuing official invitation letters for visa applications and offering recommendations for convenient hotels directly connected to or near the airport.


FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

* Q: Can I submit a work in progress?
A: Yes, rough cuts are accepted for submission.

However, the final version must be completed and submitted at least two months prior to the festival date. Please notify the organizer separately when submitting the final version.

* Q: Is a Japan Premiere required?
A: It is highly preferred but not mandatory. Films available online are also eligible, though premiere status may be a factor in the final selection.

* Q: What is the screening format?
A: We require digital files (Apple ProRes 422 HQ or high-bitrate MP4). DCPs are not required.

* Q: Are there specific requirements for Vertical Films?
A: Yes, please submit files with a native vertical aspect ratio (e.g., 9:16). Please do not add black bars (pillarboxing) to fit a horizontal frame.

Submit your film today and let your journey in Japan begin.

The Venue: TIAT SKY HALL (Haneda Airport International Terminal)

JPIFF offers a truly exclusive cinematic experience at the TIAT SKY HALL, located directly inside Haneda Airport (HND) Terminal 3, the gateway to Tokyo.

* A World-Class, Exclusive Setting: This is not just a screening; it is a red-carpet event held in a venue exclusively reserved for JPIFF. Situated within the international terminal, it symbolizes a direct connection between your art and the world.

* Impressive Screening Experience: Your films will be showcased on a massive 330-inch Cinema Screen with state-of-the-art acoustics, ensuring the highest quality visual experience for every attendee.

* Direct Access: International filmmakers can land at Tokyo International Airport Terminal 3 and walk straight to the festival venue. No trains or taxis required upon arrival. Furthermore, this is one of the world's premier locations, directly connected to prestigious Japanese hotels.

* Experience Tokyo & Sakura: The event is scheduled for late March, coinciding with Tokyo's breathtaking Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season. Experience the magic of spring in Japan at a location that is truly one-of-a-kind.


Event Schedule Overview:

* March 26, 2027 (Evening): Opening Gala Party. A glamorous networking night at the festival venue. Features include a Red Carpet Photo Corner, individual Nominee Stand Banners, and professional Photo Sessions for all filmmakers.

* March 27, 2027 (Main Event): Award Ceremony & Special Screening. The main festival day features Special Presentations (Director's Message & Film Highlights) for all nominees, followed by full-length screenings of select award winners, such as the Japan International Peace Film Award (Grand Prix), and concludes with the Award Ceremony.

* Tickets & Passes: Various ticket options will be available for purchase directly via Festhome, including exclusive 2-Day VIP Passports (for Nominated Filmmakers, granting special guest access to both the Gala and Main Festival) and General Admission Tickets (for Audience & Industry Professionals) for the screenings and ceremony.

The Golden Samurai Trophy

The winner of the Grand Prix will receive the exclusive JPIFF Golden Samurai Trophy, adorned with the festival's signature "Bi" (美) Maedate crest. The Kanji character "Bi" means "Beautiful" or "Beauty" in Japanese. It serves as a symbol of the profound beauty found in peace and cinematic art, honoring the filmmaker's contribution to a more beautiful world.


[ The Grand Prix ]

* Japan International Peace Film Award (Highest Honor for the film best embodying peace, human rights, or love)


[ Symbolic Award ]

* Samurai Spirit Award (Best Indie Spirit Award - Celebrating independent filmmakers with a fighting spirit who overcome constraints with passion and creativity.)

* Samurai Smile Award (Best Smile Impression - Awarded to the cast member whose smile brings the most light, hope, and "impression" to the screen.)


[ Feature Films (>40 min) ]

* Best Narrative Feature
* Best Documentary Feature
* Special Jury Award (Feature)


[ Short Films (<40 min) ]

* Best Narrative Short
* Best Documentary Short
* Special Jury Award (Short)


[ Vertical Cinema (9:16) ]

* Best Vertical Feature (Over 20 min)
* Best Vertical Short (Under 20 min)
* Best Vertical Narrative
* Best Vertical Documentary
* Best Vertical Micro-Movie (Under 3 min)
* Best Vertical Kawaii Award (Celebrating the global phenomenon of "Kawaii" (Cute) culture. Awarded to the vertical film that best captures charm, pop aesthetics, and heart-warming creativity.)


[ AI Cinema (Generative AI) ]

* Best AI Feature Film (>40 min) - Must be 100% visually generated by AI.
* Best AI Short Film (<40 min) - Must be 100% visually generated by AI.
* Best AI Vertical Film (9:16) - Must be 100% visually generated by AI.
* Best AI Kawaii Award (Celebrating the fusion of AI creativity and "Kawaii" culture. Awarded to the AI-generated film that best captures charm, pop aesthetics, and heart-warming creativity.)


[ Additional Honors ]

* Honorable Mention (Awarded to outstanding films in any category)


[ Genre & Special Categories ]

* Best Animation
* Best Experimental Film
* Best Music Video
* Best Student Film
* Best Japonisme Award (Special Award - For films that capture the essence, aesthetics, or spirit of Japan with profound respect.)


[ Individual Awards (Feature & Short) ]

* Best Director (Feature / Short)
* Best Producer (Feature / Short)
* Best Performance (Feature / Short)
* Best Screenplay (Feature / Short)
* Best Cinematography (Feature / Short)
* Best Costume Design (Feature / Short)
* Best Hair & Makeup (Feature / Short)
* Best Production Design (Feature / Short)
* Best Editing (Feature / Short)

1. General Eligibility

* Premiere Status: While a Japan Premiere is not strictly mandatory, it is highly preferred. Films that have not yet screened in Japan will be given priority consideration.

* Completion Date: Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023.

* Language & Subtitles: All films containing dialogue in non-English languages must include English subtitles.


2. Rights, Copyright & Indemnification

* Warranties: By submitting to the Japan International Film Festival (JPIFF), the submitter warrants that they are the sole owner of all rights to the film and its components (including music, script, and images) or have secured all necessary permissions for exhibition.

* Indemnification: The submitter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless JPIFF, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and partners from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and court costs) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, defamation, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

* Third-Party Claims: JPIFF accepts no responsibility for any third-party claims (e.g., from rights holders, actors, or unions). The burden of determining that the film is cleared for festival exhibition rests solely with the submitter. JPIFF will not investigate or adjudicate any rights claims.


3. Promotional Use

* By submitting, the filmmaker grants JPIFF the right to use excerpts, trailers, posters, and stills from the film for promotional purposes (including social media, website, and press materials) in perpetuity.
This usage is strictly for the promotion of the festival and the film itself.


4. Hybrid Screening Policy (Online & Live)

* Online Screening: By submitting, you acknowledge and
agree that if nominated, your full film will be available for viewing via JPIFF's secure online portal for authorized attendees and judges during the festival period.

* Live Event Screening: At the physical venue, JPIFF generally screens Special Presentations (Director's Message & Film Highlights) of nominated films. However, if your film is selected for the Japan International Peace Film Award (Grand Prix) or other select awards, you grant JPIFF the right to screen the film in its entirety at the Awards Ceremony.

* Cooperation Request: To ensure the success of this format, nominated filmmakers are kindly requested to cooperate by providing a short video message and high-quality film highlights upon selection.


5. Selection & Screening Materials

* Selection: All selections are made by the festival jury. The jury's decisions are final.

* Screening Copy: If selected, the filmmaker must provide the full film and a highlight video with a director's message, following the organizer's instructions, within 2 weeks of notification.
Screening copies (Apple ProRes 422 HQ or high-bitrate MP4) must be provided. Failure to provide a screening copy by the deadline may result in disqualification.


6. Fees & Refunds

* Non-Refundable: All submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including disqualification or withdrawal of the film by the submitter.


7. Event Changes & Schedule

* JPIFF reserves the right to change the festival dates, venue, or format (e.g., switching to an online event) at its sole discretion for any reason, including but not limited to organizational circumstances or "Force Majeure" (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics). In the event of any such changes, cancellation, or postponement, submission fees will not be refunded.


8. Agreement

* By submitting to JPIFF, the submitter acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all the rules and regulations listed above.


9. Student Verification

* Verification Required: Films submitted to the Student category must be accompanied by a valid student ID or proof of enrollment. Please upload a copy of your student ID to the "Files & Attachments" section of your project on Festhome or be prepared to provide it upon request. Failure to provide verification may result in disqualification or a requirement to pay the standard submission fee.