The Feature Length Competition (international competition) aims to discover and nurture the next generation of filmmakers. It is open to theatrical feature films over 70 minutes in length, that were shot and edited digitally by directors with fewer than 4 feature film credits to their name. This year, we have received 536 entries from 84 countries and regions. Among them a total of 12 films, 9 international and 3 domestic, will screen in the competition. This year, we are proud to provide opportunities to the audiences to see films from countries such as Ukraine and Brazil, from which Japanese audience has rarely seen films. After the final round of judging by four international jury members, a certificate and trophy from the festival organizers and Sony D-Cinema Award (sponsored by Sony Business Solutions and Sony PCL) are given to the winners. In addition, the SKIP CITY AWARD will be given to one Japanese director in the competition, providing access to SKIP City facilities for a limited time.

Feature Length Competition Awards Details

※SKIP CITY AWARD is given to the Japanese filmmaker providing access to SKIP City facilities for a limited time for their next project.

The Short Length Competition of Japanese films aims to discover talent and nurture the next generation of filmmakers. It is open to films shot and edited digitally, that were completed in 2013 and 2014, and that are 15 to 30 minutes in length. Through the preliminary judging, 12 shorts, rich in potential exploring new ways for expression, have been selected. This year’s line-up includes an entry produced as an international co-production and another entry directed by a foreign director living in Japan. You will discover these shorts are packed with talent and brilliance. After the final judging by three jury members, a certificate from the festival organizers and the Kawaguchi Citizen’s Award will be given to the winners at the closing ceremony. In addition, the SKIP CITY AWARD will also be given to the top prizewinner, providing access to SKIP City facilities for a limited time.

Short Length Competition Awards Details

※Kawaguchi Citizen’s Award was created to honor the talented film directors from Japan by the Citizen’s Circle to Support SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL.

※SKIP CITY AWARD is given to the Japanese filmmaker providing access to equipment at SKIP City facilities for a limited time.

The Animation Competition of Japanese works, a brand new category launched for the 11th edition of the festival, aims to discover and support emerging talent. It is open to Japanese films shot and edited digitally, that were completed after 2012, and that are over 5 minutes in length. 14 short animations in various different styles and genres will screen. After the final judging by three jurors, a certificate from the festival organizers and the Shimamura Award (sponsored by Shimamura) will be given to the winners at the closing ceremony. Enjoy the beautiful world of animation full of subtlety and surprises that send a new breeze into the Japanese audio-visual industry.

Animation Competition Awards Details