Awards
International Competition
The International Competition is open to feature films at least 60 minutes in length, which were produced in 2021 or 2022, and shot and edited digitally by directors with fewer than three feature film credits to their name. This year, we received 775 entries from 99 countries and regions. Among them a total of the very best ten films were selected. The lives of people in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and other regions portrayed in the films transcend linguistic and cultural differences to reflect a larger world that connects all of us living in modern society. Our lineup is full of excellent films by up-and-coming filmmakers, who boldly expand the possibilities of cinema even in these difficult times. After the final round of judging by four leading experts in the film industry, awards are given to the winners including the Grand Prize. In addition, the SKIP CITY AWARD will be given to one Japanese film in the International Competition or the Japanese Film Competition, providing access to SKIP CITY facilities for a limited time.
International Competition Awards Details
| Grand Prize | Certificate, trophy and cash prize of 1,000,000 yen are given. |
| Best Director | Certificate, trophy and cash prize of 500,000 yen are given. |
| Special Jury Prize | Certificate, trophy and cash prize of 300,000 yen are given. |
| SKIP CITY AWARD |
*Given to a Japanese filmmaker, whose next feature project is highly anticipated. Certificate and trophy are given. The SKIP CITY AWARD grants the recipient free access to the audio and video facilities at Sai-No-Kuni Visual Plaza for a limited time. |
| Audience Award |
Determined by the votes received during the festival． Certificate, trophy and gift produced in Saitama Prefecture are given. |
Japanese Film Competition
The Japanese Film Feature Competition accepts entries completed in 2021 and 2022 at least 60 minutes in length. The Japanese Film Short Competition accepts entries at least 15 but under 60 minutes in length. This year, we received 59 features and 160 shorts, with six features and eight shorts being nominated. The passion of the new filmmakers emerges through their cross-border productions, their insights into society, and their skillful use of genres such as science fiction, thriller, and romantic drama. The crystallization of these efforts and explorations signals the arrival of new talents who will lead the next generation of Japanese cinema. After the final round of judging by three jury members who are cinema experts, the Best Picture is given to winners in both the Feature and Short categories. In addition, the SKIP CITY AWARD will be given to one Japanese film in the International Competition or the Japanese Film Competition.
Japanese Film Competition Awards Details
|
Best Picture (Japanese Feature category) |
Certificate, trophy and cash prize of 300,000 yen are given. |
|
Best Picture (Japanese Short category) |
Certificate, trophy and cash prize of 200,000 yen are given. |
| SKIP CITY AWARD |
*Given to a Japanese filmmaker, whose next feature project is highly anticipated. Certificate and trophy are given. The SKIP CITY AWARD grants the recipient free access to the audio and video facilities at Sai-No-Kuni Visual Plaza for a limited time. |
|
Audience Award (in Feature and Short categories) |
Determined by the votes received during the festival． Certificate, trophy and gift produced in Saitama Prefecture are given. |
