Awards
International Competition
The International Competition is open to feature films at least 60 minutes in length, which were produced in 2022 or 2023, and shot and edited digitally by directors with fewer than three feature film credits to their name. This year, we received the most-ever 1,041 entries from 102 countries and regions. Among them a total of the ten very best films were selected. From films facing issues brought about by war, climate change and social oppression, to films exploring human nature such as the relationship between parents and children, and the birth of life and identity, this year’s lineup includes a wide variety of ambitious films, which were created by up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world, all believing in the possibilities of cinema. All films will be screened for the first time in Japan. After the final round of judging by three leading film industry experts, awards, including the Grand Prize, will be given to the winners. 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 2022 and 2023 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 the most-ever 92 features as well as 205 shorts, with six features and eight shorts being nominated. Film creators of the next generation completed their ambitious films after exploring their own creative processes. These Japan-premiere films cover a wide variety of genres including drama, sci-fi, comedy, horror and animation. After the final round of judging by three jury members who are well-versed in current Japanese films, the Best Picture will be 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. |
