Preface
Films submitted from around the world transcend mere entertainment ; they reflect the very pulse of our time.
The rapid advance of AI, widening inequality, unstable social conditions,and the shifting bonds between family and homeland—within the 1,106 submissions, the tremors of the worldand the quiet voices of humanity are vividly inscribed.
Cinema illuminates realities that lie beyond our immediate sightand, through imagination, guides us toward the pain and hope of others.In this uncertain era, its role has become more essential than ever.
We believe in that power. It is why we travel to regions without cinemas, continuing the challenge of bringing storiesthat may otherwise never be seen.
When the world shakes, cinema asks its questions, sparks dialogue, and reveals a light that leads us forward. Carrying that light, the Hokkaido International Film Festival journeys once again across the region.
If there is no cinema, we will bring the light.
Masahiro Hasegawa
Producer, Hokkaido International Film Festival
February – March 2026, held at three locations within Hokkaido!
February – March 2026, held at three locations within Hokkaido!
2026 FESTIVAL THEME
Thus the World Sways
The world is now in a state of profound upheaval.
Its tremors are beginning to reach into the hearts of each of us.
Through more than 1,100 films, we were confronted with questions—
with inescapable realities,
and with the enduring human strength that rises, again and again, in the face of them.
In a world that continues to sway,
we present the stories of our time to all those who seek hope.
UPDATE
2026.1.24
The Niseko (Kutchan) screening schedule has been updated.
Dir. Shusuke Kaneko (Heisei Gamera Trilogy, Death Note) will serve as Jury President of the International Mid-Length Film Competition. His latest film will have its World Premiere as the Opening / Special Invitation Film.
Guests Tomoya Sato and Sara Kurashima will also attend the screening of DEAD OR ZOMBIE.
Please check here.
2026.1.23
CyberLink has joined the Hokkaido International Film Festival as a partner. Winners of the Best Film awards in the three competition sections will receive PowerDirector 365 (1-year license) as a special prize. Please check here.
2026.1.2
Event details for each location have been published. Please proceed via the banner above to view them.
2025.11.29
The results of the selection from the public submissions have been announced. Please check here.
2025.11.27
We have announced the members responsible for selecting films. Please check here.
2025.10.31
The dates and venues for the 2nd Hokkaido International Film Festival have been finalized. It will be held at the following three locations.
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| Dates | Area | Municipality |
|---|---|---|
| February 13 (Fri) – February 15 (Sun), 2026 | Niseko (Shiribeshi) | Kutchan Town |
| February 27 (Fri) – March 1 (Sun), 2026 | Okhotsk | Abashiri City |
| March 28 (Sat) – March 29 (Sun), 2026 | Tokachi | Shikaoi Town |
2025.10.16
The final number of submissions received by the end of September is as follows:
Thank you to everyone for your numerous submissions. The selection results are scheduled to be announced in late-November.
○By Category
| Short | 806 |
| Medium | 122 |
| Feature | 178 |
| Total | 1,106 |
○By Country *Co-productions involving multiple countries are counted separately for each country.
| Japan | 316 |
| China | 193 |
| South Korea | 94 |
| United States | 89 |
| France | 35 |
| Taiwan | 32 |
| United Kingdom | 31 |
| Hong Kong | 25 |
| Germany | 24 |
| Italy, India | 20 each |
| Russian Federation, Australia | 17 each |
| Canada | 15 |
| Spain | 12 |
| Indonesia | 9 |
| Poland, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore | 8 each |
| Sweden, Philippines, Hungary, Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands | 7 each |
| Thailand, Israel, Estonia, Argentina | 4 each |
| Kazakhstan, Greece, Finland, Switzerland, Belarus, Morocco, Denmark, Chile | 3 each |
| Uzbekistan, UAE, Egypt, Belgium | 2 each |
| South Africa, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Romania, Palau, Portugal, Pakistan, Peru, New Zealand, Nepal, Suriname, Malta, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Lithuania, Lebanon, Norway, Iran, Ireland, Croatia, Georgia, Ecuador, Qatar, Bulgaria, Belgium, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria | 1 each |
| Total (72 countries and regions) |
2025.2.11
The 2nd Hokkaido International Film Festival is now accepting submissions. Apply here.
