[Short Film Contest] From Fukuoka to the World! 'Fukuoka Short Film Award' Open Call
Key facts
- [Short Film Contest] From Fukuoka to the World! 'Fukuoka Short Film Award' Open Call
- Fukuoka City is launching its first short film contest, 'Fukuoka Short Film Award,' to discover and nurture young film directors. Applications are open until the end of July 2026. Top works will receive support for participation in the world-renowned 'Clermont-Ferrand' International Short Film Festival.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 10, 2026
Direct answer
Fukuoka City is launching its first short film contest, 'Fukuoka Short Film Award,' to discover and nurture young film directors. Applications are open until the end of July 2026. Top works will receive support for participation in the world-renowned 'Clermont-Ferrand' International Short Film Festival.
- Citation
- [Short Film Contest] From Fukuoka to the World! 'Fukuoka Short Film Award' Open Call (June 10, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 10, 2026
Fukuoka City is launching its first short film contest, 'Fukuoka Short Film Award,' to discover and nurture young film directors. Applications are open until the end of July 2026. Top works will receive support for participation in the world-renowned 'Clermont-Ferrand' International Short Film Festival.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 22:16
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 13:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 13:37 (1 min after Collected)
The 'Fukuoka Short Film Award' is being held for the first time with the goal of discovering and nurturing young film directors who can thrive on the world stage from Fukuoka.
This award offers not only a contest but also programs and benefits to establish an environment for continuous film production, aiming to cultivate filmmakers capable of competing globally.
### Submission Guidelines
- Short films within 20 minutes
- Any genre, including live-action, animation, and documentary
- Works at least 70% filmed in Fukuoka City or themed around Fukuoka
- Works completed on or after October 1, 2025
### Eligibility
- Directors based in Fukuoka City or with a connection to Fukuoka City, under 40 years old at the time of film completion
- Professionals and amateurs are both welcome
### Entry Fee
- Free
### Benefits
Directors of 1 to 3 winning works selected in the final judging will receive the following:
- **Participation Support for the 'Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival' in France**: Includes support for entry including travel expenses to the competition and market.
- **Special Screening at the Fukuoka Independent Film Festival (FIDFF)**: Special screening at the festival.
- **Negotiation Rights for Screening on 'SAMANSA'**: Negotiation rights for screening on the Japanese short film specialized streaming platform 'SAMANSA'.
### Schedule
1. **Application Period**: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026
2. **First Screening**: Early August (Passing applicants will be notified by email by mid-August)
3. **Final Screening**: Mid-August onwards
4. **Award Ceremony**: Saturday, October 10 or Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Venue: UNITEDLAB (1-3-36 Daimyo, Chuo-ku)
- Announced during the 'The Creators 2026' event.
FAQ
What are the eligibility criteria for the 'Fukuoka Short Film Award'?
The director must be based in Fukuoka City or have a connection to Fukuoka City, and must be under 40 years old at the time of the film's completion. Professional or amateur status is not a requirement.
What are the requirements for the submitted works?
The film must be a short film of 20 minutes or less, with no restrictions on genre (live-action, animation, documentary, etc.). At least 70% of the film must be shot in Fukuoka City, or the film must be based on Fukuoka. The film must have been completed after October 1, 2025.
What are the prizes for the contest?
The winning director will receive support for exhibiting at the 'Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival' in France (including travel expenses), a special screening at the Fukuoka Independent Film Festival, and the right to negotiate a screening on the video platform 'SAMANSA'.
When is the submission deadline?
The submission deadline is July 31, 2026.
When and where will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will take place on October 10 or 11, 2026, at 'UNITEDLAB' in Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, as part of 'The Creators 2026' event.