CFAs: Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia

They are calling for submissions from a wide range of creators, including not only filmmakers but also artists with ideas and also screenwriters. The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia is scheduled to be held in June of 2025 and is recognized by the Academy Awards. It is one of the largest international short film festivals in Asia. They will announce the winning pitch at SSFF & ASIA 2025.

Kodansha’s purpose is to “Inspire Impossible Stories.” They are looking for submissions from visual creators who want like to work with them to create impossible stories that go beyond imagination, that will inspire the world and the hearts of others!

Funding Information

• They will award 10 million yen to make your short film and after completion, they will submit it to film festivals in Japan and abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals, companies & corporations, and organizations can submit. They welcome submissions from not only directors but also producers, animators, CG creators, and production companies.
• Pitches in which a submitting actor himself appears in the film are also ok.

Application Requirements

• Fill out the submissions form.
• Please submit your pitch and CV/résumé (please combine your proposal and CV/résumé into one file).
• Please provide the information below regarding your pitch. (The short film must be no longer than 25 minutes including opening & ending credits).
• Submission Requirements:
  • Your pitch A
  • CV/Résumé B
  • The following are optional:
    • Storyboard or screenplay
    • Long Synopsis (About 500 words)
    • All of the above formats are free.
• This will be used as a reference during the selection process (it is not a required item).
  • Estimated main cast and profiles
  • Estimated crew and profiles
  • Any visual material that gives an idea of ​​the film
  • If the work is currently being filmed, any footage that can be shared
  • Proposed locations
  • Information on rights status, etc.
  • Budget estimate (The 10 million yen will be awarded even if the budget is less than 10 million yen)
  • Please specify if you plan to apply for any investments, financial support, or subsidies from sources other than Kodansha.
• Requested information on your CV/Résumé
  • Career history and portfolio of past work (including samples of any films, viewing links, etc.)
  • Films that can be commonly enjoyed around the world are desirable.
  • Any format or genres including live-action, CG, animation, and others are acceptable.
  • Unreleased films (sequels are OK).
  • Basically, they would like to produce original works, but projects using Kodansha novels and manga are also accepted
  • Applicants should not contact the copyright holder or the editorial department at the time of application, as Kodansha will contact the copyright holder regarding permission during the final selection process.
  • Additionally, please refrain from posting content that infringes on third party intellectual property rights such as copyrights, honor rights, privacy rights, or any other rights.
  • Applicants whose projects have passed the first screening will be notified of the results by the end of January 2025.

For more information, visit Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab.