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Hokkaido International Film Festival discovers quality films from Japan and abroad and brings them to as many people as possible, while respecting diversity of expression and interpretation.
We also value the connections among filmmakers, audiences, and related parties, and share the joy of watching films together.
2nd Hokkaido International Film Festival
| Submission Period | February 11 – September 30, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Festival Period | January – March 2026 |
| Location | To be held at three locations in Hokkaido, to be announced in July 2025 |
Awards & Prizes
There are three categories according to the running time of the film, and the winner of each category will receive a Golden Owl (carved out of wood by craftsmen).
1. Best International Short film (under 30 minutes): 500 cash prize and a Golden Owl
2. Best International Medium-length Film (30 min. to 60 min.): $500 cash and a Golden Owl
3. Best International Feature Film (over 60 minutes): $1,000 cash and a Golden Owl
In addition, the Audience Award and the Jury’s Special Award will be selected and presented with certificates.
Rules & Terms
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Films must be completed on or after January 1, 2024.
- Entries must be original works by the filmmaker or their team.
- There are no restrictions on nationality, age, technical skill, or qualifications.
- Narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, or any other genre is acceptable. However, films that promote discrimination or violate human rights will not be accepted.
- Submission Format:
- Films must be submitted in digital format.
- The resolution must be 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) or higher.
- If the film’s original language is neither Japanese nor English, English subtitles must be provided.
- Submission Fee:
- An entry fee is required for each film. The fee will vary depending on the application status, length of the film, and the time of application.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- A valid student ID must be presented to receive the student discount.
- Entry fees may be waived if you are unable to pay the entry fee due to a disaster or other circumstances. Please inquire by e-mail.
- Filmmakers who are unable to pay the entry fee due to conflicts or disasters may receive a waiver of the entry fee. Please contact us using Inquiry Form.
- Submission Method:
- Submissions from outside Japan must be made via the official festival submission platform, Film Freeway.
- Submissions from within Japan can be made via the official festival website.
- Rights:
- ilmmakers grant the Hokkaido International Film Festival the right to screen the submitted film during the festival period.
- The Hokkaido International Film Festival reserves the right to use excerpts from submitted films for promotional purposes.
- Selection Process:
- Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of industry professionals.
- Films will be evaluated based on criteria such as originality, artistic merit, storytelling, and technical proficiency.
- Notification:
- Filmmakers will be notified of the selection results via email by the notification date.
- Filmmakers selected as finalists will receive detailed instructions regarding screening dates, venues, file formats and promotional materials.
- Finalists’ Conditions:
- Finalists must provide a high-resolution digital copy of their film (MP4 or MOV) for screening at the festival.
- Finalists will be expected to participate in post-screening Q&A sessions (either onsite or online) and promotional activities as requested by the festival.
- Screening:
- Films selected as finalists will be screened at one or more venues.
- In addition to the finalists, films that are deemed worthy of being screened may be selected for the Out of Competition, where they will be screened with the consent of the filmmakers.
- In case of a pandemic or other unforeseen circumstances, films may be screened online.
- Subsidized travel expenses:
- A travel subsidy will be provided for attending this film festival.
– From outside Japan: $200
– From within Japan except Hokkaido: $100
– Within Hokkaido (if one-way trip is more than 50km): $30
*Only one person per film..
- A travel subsidy will be provided for attending this film festival.
- Winners:
- Winners will be determined by the jury and announced at the final ceremony of the festival.
- Receive Award Money and Travel subsidies:
- To receive prize money and travel subsidies, entrants must submit the prescribed invoice to the Festival Organizer after participating in the Festival.
- The Festival Organizer will pay the filmmakers via PayPal or bank transfer.
- Other Provisions:
- The filmmaker is responsible for ensuring that all necessary rights and permissions have been obtained for the submitted film.
- The Festival organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program as necessary.
Please carefully review these guidelines before submitting your film to the Hokkaido International Film Festival. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using Inquiry Form.
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