七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki) "You will fall seven times, you will rise eight times." This proverb speaks about perseverance and the ability to rise up after failures.
Japanese wisdom
1210
Welcome to OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL, a unique online event dedicated to the art of film and stage storytelling that brings together creators, thinkers and audiences from all over the world in one virtual space.
Born in the heart of Japan, the festival reflects the versatility of contemporary cinema and its ability to speak the universal language of art, transcending the boundaries of format, genre and geography. Here, in the digital space, everyone can become part of a large cultural dialogue - be it an aspiring director, an independent screenwriter or an attentive viewer looking for deep stories and fresh perspectives.
OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL was founded in 2023 as an initiative that seeks to create an international platform for free expression and cultural exchange through cinema, not limited by physical space. From the very beginning, the festival aimed to become a point of intersection of different voices, aesthetics and worldviews - and this aspiration still lies at its core.
Born in the heart of Japan, the festival reflects the versatility of contemporary cinema and its ability to speak the universal language of art, transcending the boundaries of format, genre and geography. Here, in the digital space, everyone can become part of a large cultural dialogue - be it an aspiring director, an independent screenwriter or an attentive viewer looking for deep stories and fresh perspectives.
OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL was founded in 2023 as an initiative that seeks to create an international platform for free expression and cultural exchange through cinema, not limited by physical space. From the very beginning, the festival aimed to become a point of intersection of different voices, aesthetics and worldviews - and this aspiration still lies at its core.
OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL is a platform where experiments, self-expression and authorial intonations are concentrated. This is a space for those who value cinema as a form of thought and feeling, as a way to explore the world and oneself.
Participation in the festival opens access to a huge field of ideas, views and visual solutions. You do not simply send your work - you bring it into a cultural context in which it can be perceived, rethought and heard. Here the viewer becomes an attentive interlocutor, and each film - a reason for an internal dialogue.
We do not promise recognition or applause. We create an environment where the conscious and honest presence of art is possible. The festival is an invitation to reflection, to search, to participate in the general cultural process.
Discovering cinema through OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL, you discover a different rhythm of perception, a different optics and, perhaps, new inspiration.
Welcome to a space of ideas, images and an open view of the art of cinema.
Participation in the festival opens access to a huge field of ideas, views and visual solutions. You do not simply send your work - you bring it into a cultural context in which it can be perceived, rethought and heard. Here the viewer becomes an attentive interlocutor, and each film - a reason for an internal dialogue.
We do not promise recognition or applause. We create an environment where the conscious and honest presence of art is possible. The festival is an invitation to reflection, to search, to participate in the general cultural process.
Discovering cinema through OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL, you discover a different rhythm of perception, a different optics and, perhaps, new inspiration.
Welcome to a space of ideas, images and an open view of the art of cinema.
About the OSAKA FILM FECTIVAL
The winners of 2024
Dear Winners of the 2024 Edition,
On behalf of the entire festival team, we extend our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to each of you - the outstanding filmmakers, screenwriters, and storytellers who have inspired us during this incredible season.
Your creativity, your voice, and your dedication to the art of cinema have not only earned you well-deserved recognition, but have also touched audiences across borders, languages, and cultures. Whether your work made us laugh, cry, think, or simply sit in awe - it has found its place among the finest expressions of contemporary filmmaking.
The 2024 edition of our festival was a celebration of global talent, and you are the shining stars that made it unforgettable. In a world where stories shape our understanding of one another, your contribution is powerful and necessary. You’ve reminded us that art knows no boundaries - especially in the online space where connection is made through ideas and emotion.
Thank you for trusting us with your work, for sharing your vision, and for being part of this international creative journey. May this recognition not be a finish line, but a milestone - one of many - in your evolving artistic path.
We wish you continued inspiration, bold ideas, and an audience that listens with open hearts.
With admiration and gratitude,
The Organizing Committee
On behalf of the entire festival team, we extend our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to each of you - the outstanding filmmakers, screenwriters, and storytellers who have inspired us during this incredible season.
Your creativity, your voice, and your dedication to the art of cinema have not only earned you well-deserved recognition, but have also touched audiences across borders, languages, and cultures. Whether your work made us laugh, cry, think, or simply sit in awe - it has found its place among the finest expressions of contemporary filmmaking.
The 2024 edition of our festival was a celebration of global talent, and you are the shining stars that made it unforgettable. In a world where stories shape our understanding of one another, your contribution is powerful and necessary. You’ve reminded us that art knows no boundaries - especially in the online space where connection is made through ideas and emotion.
Thank you for trusting us with your work, for sharing your vision, and for being part of this international creative journey. May this recognition not be a finish line, but a milestone - one of many - in your evolving artistic path.
We wish you continued inspiration, bold ideas, and an audience that listens with open hearts.
With admiration and gratitude,
The Organizing Committee
DATES OF THE EVENT 2025
🌸 Sakura Season
January 10, 2025 – March 1, 2025
Event Date: March 3, 2025
Event Date: March 3, 2025
$60
Entry fee
🌞 Takoyaki Summer
March 10, 2025 – June 1, 2025
Event Date: June 3, 2025
Event Date: June 3, 2025
$65
Entry fee
🍂 Naniwa Twilight
June 10, 2025 – September 1, 2025
Event Date: September 3, 2025
Event Date: September 3, 2025
$70
Entry fee
🎴 Shinsekai Deadline
September 10, 2025 – December 1, 2025
Event Date: December 3, 2025
Event Date: December 3, 2025
$80
Entry fee
NOMINATIONS
OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL 2025 proudly presents a wide and diverse range of categories designed to celebrate the art of cinema in all its forms. Below is an overview of each nomination category and the awards within them:
1. Best Feature Film This category honors narrative films over 60 minutes in length. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, directorial vision, acting performances, and overall artistic cohesion. Subcategories:
• Best Director Feature Film
• Best Producer
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
2. Best Short Film Open to films up to 60 minutes in duration, regardless of genre. The focus lies on storytelling impact and creative expression in a condensed format. Subcategories:
• Best Director Short Film
• Best Producer
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
3. Best Micro Film For ultra-short works that deliver powerful messages or visuals in limited time. Brevity, innovation, and clarity are key. Subcategories:
• Best Micro Film
• Best Concept
• Best Visual Style
• Best Sound
• Best Editing
• Best Directing
4. Best Short Script Recognizes screenplays up to 60 pages in length. Judged on narrative structure, originality, and storytelling efficiency. Subcategories:
• Best Short Script
• Best Autor
• Best Structured Screenplay
• Best Original Story
5. Best Feature Script For scripts over 60 pages. Evaluation focuses on character development, dialogue, and plot progression. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Script
• Best Autor
• Best Structured Screenplay
• Best Original Story
6. Best Drama Film (any length) Acknowledges films with emotionally rich storytelling and authentic character portrayals. Subcategories:
• Best Drama Film
• Best Director of a Drama
• Best Acting
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Mixing
7. Best Comedy Film (any length) Celebrates humor in all its forms, from sharp satire to lighthearted romantic comedy. Subcategories:
• Best Comedy Film
• Best Comedy Screenplay
• Best Comedy Director
• Best Acting in a Comedy
• Best Comedy Rhyming Editing
• Best Comedy Producer
8. Best Thriller / Mystery Film (any length) Spotlights intense, suspenseful narratives with gripping twists and strong atmosphere. Subcategories:
• Best Thriller / Mystery Film
• Best Screenplay with Unexpected Twists
• Best Director of Suspense
• Best Cinematography for Atmosphere
• Best Editing for Suspense
• Best Sound Design
9. Best Horror Film (any length) For films that evoke fear, dread, or unease with originality and depth. Subcategories:
• Best Horror Film
• Best Director
• Best Scare Screenplay
• Best Special Effects
• Best Sound Design
• Best Horror Editing
10. Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film (any length) Honors imaginative storytelling set in alternate realities, mythic worlds, or futuristic visions. Subcategories:
• Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film
• Best World Building
• Best Director
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
11. Best Arthouse Film (any length) Dedicated to personal, poetic, or unconventional cinematic voices. Subcategories:
• Best Arthouse Film
• Best art-house director
• Best cinematography
• Best editing
• Best artistic concept
• Best soundtrack
12. Best Experimental Feature Film Showcases feature-length works that challenge cinematic form and narrative structure. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Experimental
• Best Director of Innovation
• Best Visual Experiment
• Best Sound Design
• Best Editing
• Best Conceptual Approach
13. Best Experimental Short Film Highlights short films that explore unconventional styles, rhythms, or visual techniques. Subcategories:
• Best Short Experimental
• Best Director of Innovation
• Best Visual Experiment
• Best Sound Design
• Best Editing
• Best Conceptual Approach
14. Best Feature Documentary For nonfiction films over 40 minutes that explore real-life topics with depth and perspective. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Documentary Director
• Best Research Script
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Narration
15. Best Short Documentary Acknowledges concise yet powerful documentary storytelling under 40 minutes. Subcategories:
• Best Short Documentary
• Best Documentary Director
• Best Research Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Narrative
16. Best Social Impact Film (any length) Recognizes films addressing issues such as human rights, inequality, or cultural change. Subcategories:
• Best Social Impact Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
• Best Social Message
17. Best LGBTQ+ Film (any length) Focuses on films exploring LGBTQ+ themes with honesty and artistic integrity. Subcategories:
• Best LGBTQ+ Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Visual Style
18. Best Biographical Film (any length) Celebrates narratives based on real lives, portraying complex characters and historical moments. Subcategories:
• Best Biographical Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Cinematography
19. Best Music / Dance Film (any length) Highlights works where music, choreography, or performance are central to the storytelling. Subcategories:
• Best Music / Dance Film
• Best Director
• Best Music Editing
• Best Dance Direction
• Best Soundtrack
• Best Visual Style
20. Best Student Film (any length) Open to works created in academic settings. Focus is on emerging voices and creative promise. Subcategories:
• Best Student Film
• Best Student Director
• Best Debut Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Creative Approach
21. Best Animated Film (any length) For animations in any style or medium that combine technical excellence with emotional or narrative depth. Subcategories:
• Best Animated Film
• Best Animation Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Animation
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
22. Best Web Series / Pilot Episode Recognizes strong pilots or short-form web content with potential for continued storytelling. Subcategories:
• Best Web Series / Pilot Episode
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Producer
Each project submitted is automatically considered for all applicable awards within its main category. The OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL welcomes bold voices, fresh visions, and diverse stories from across the globe.
1. Best Feature Film This category honors narrative films over 60 minutes in length. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, directorial vision, acting performances, and overall artistic cohesion. Subcategories:
• Best Director Feature Film
• Best Producer
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
2. Best Short Film Open to films up to 60 minutes in duration, regardless of genre. The focus lies on storytelling impact and creative expression in a condensed format. Subcategories:
• Best Director Short Film
• Best Producer
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
3. Best Micro Film For ultra-short works that deliver powerful messages or visuals in limited time. Brevity, innovation, and clarity are key. Subcategories:
• Best Micro Film
• Best Concept
• Best Visual Style
• Best Sound
• Best Editing
• Best Directing
4. Best Short Script Recognizes screenplays up to 60 pages in length. Judged on narrative structure, originality, and storytelling efficiency. Subcategories:
• Best Short Script
• Best Autor
• Best Structured Screenplay
• Best Original Story
5. Best Feature Script For scripts over 60 pages. Evaluation focuses on character development, dialogue, and plot progression. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Script
• Best Autor
• Best Structured Screenplay
• Best Original Story
6. Best Drama Film (any length) Acknowledges films with emotionally rich storytelling and authentic character portrayals. Subcategories:
• Best Drama Film
• Best Director of a Drama
• Best Acting
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Mixing
7. Best Comedy Film (any length) Celebrates humor in all its forms, from sharp satire to lighthearted romantic comedy. Subcategories:
• Best Comedy Film
• Best Comedy Screenplay
• Best Comedy Director
• Best Acting in a Comedy
• Best Comedy Rhyming Editing
• Best Comedy Producer
8. Best Thriller / Mystery Film (any length) Spotlights intense, suspenseful narratives with gripping twists and strong atmosphere. Subcategories:
• Best Thriller / Mystery Film
• Best Screenplay with Unexpected Twists
• Best Director of Suspense
• Best Cinematography for Atmosphere
• Best Editing for Suspense
• Best Sound Design
9. Best Horror Film (any length) For films that evoke fear, dread, or unease with originality and depth. Subcategories:
• Best Horror Film
• Best Director
• Best Scare Screenplay
• Best Special Effects
• Best Sound Design
• Best Horror Editing
10. Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film (any length) Honors imaginative storytelling set in alternate realities, mythic worlds, or futuristic visions. Subcategories:
• Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film
• Best World Building
• Best Director
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
11. Best Arthouse Film (any length) Dedicated to personal, poetic, or unconventional cinematic voices. Subcategories:
• Best Arthouse Film
• Best art-house director
• Best cinematography
• Best editing
• Best artistic concept
• Best soundtrack
12. Best Experimental Feature Film Showcases feature-length works that challenge cinematic form and narrative structure. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Experimental
• Best Director of Innovation
• Best Visual Experiment
• Best Sound Design
• Best Editing
• Best Conceptual Approach
13. Best Experimental Short Film Highlights short films that explore unconventional styles, rhythms, or visual techniques. Subcategories:
• Best Short Experimental
• Best Director of Innovation
• Best Visual Experiment
• Best Sound Design
• Best Editing
• Best Conceptual Approach
14. Best Feature Documentary For nonfiction films over 40 minutes that explore real-life topics with depth and perspective. Subcategories:
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Documentary Director
• Best Research Script
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Narration
15. Best Short Documentary Acknowledges concise yet powerful documentary storytelling under 40 minutes. Subcategories:
• Best Short Documentary
• Best Documentary Director
• Best Research Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Narrative
16. Best Social Impact Film (any length) Recognizes films addressing issues such as human rights, inequality, or cultural change. Subcategories:
• Best Social Impact Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Editing
• Best Social Message
17. Best LGBTQ+ Film (any length) Focuses on films exploring LGBTQ+ themes with honesty and artistic integrity. Subcategories:
• Best LGBTQ+ Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Visual Style
18. Best Biographical Film (any length) Celebrates narratives based on real lives, portraying complex characters and historical moments. Subcategories:
• Best Biographical Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Cinematography
19. Best Music / Dance Film (any length) Highlights works where music, choreography, or performance are central to the storytelling. Subcategories:
• Best Music / Dance Film
• Best Director
• Best Music Editing
• Best Dance Direction
• Best Soundtrack
• Best Visual Style
20. Best Student Film (any length) Open to works created in academic settings. Focus is on emerging voices and creative promise. Subcategories:
• Best Student Film
• Best Student Director
• Best Debut Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Creative Approach
21. Best Animated Film (any length) For animations in any style or medium that combine technical excellence with emotional or narrative depth. Subcategories:
• Best Animated Film
• Best Animation Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Animation
• Best Editing
• Best Sound Design
22. Best Web Series / Pilot Episode Recognizes strong pilots or short-form web content with potential for continued storytelling. Subcategories:
• Best Web Series / Pilot Episode
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Acting
• Best Editing
• Best Producer
Each project submitted is automatically considered for all applicable awards within its main category. The OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL welcomes bold voices, fresh visions, and diverse stories from across the globe.
GO FOR IT!
RULES OF PARTICIPATION
1. REGISTRATION: To participate in the OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL, you must register on the official website of the event.
2. VIDEO FORMAT: The works must be submitted in the prescribed format and quality.
3. PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES: Participation in the film festival is open to directors and screenwriters from all over the world.
4. GENRES: Applications for participation in the festival are accepted in accordance with the list of nominations indicated on the official website of OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL.
5. WORK RIGHTS: The participants undertake to have all the necessary rights to the works submitted by them, only the participant is responsible for copyright violations.
6. SUBTITLES: Works containing dialogues must be presented in English or have English subtitles.
7. LENGTH OF WORK: The maximum duration of the submitted works is not limited to a certain time.
8. ORIGINALITY: Submitted works must be original and not constitute plagiarism.
9. JURY EVALUATION: The jury's decision is final and indisputable. Participation fees are non-refundable.
10. AWARDS: All participants and winners of the OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL will receive official laurels and a certificate of participation or winner of the festival.
11. TRANSMISSION NETWORK: The submitted works must meet the requirements for online broadcasting.
12. CONFIDENTIALITY: The organizers guarantee the confidentiality of the materials provided.
13. PLACEMENT OF WORKS: Participants can post their work on the film festival platforms.
14. DEADLINES: It is important to observe the deadlines for submitting applications and submitting works.
15. COMMUNICATION: All communication and material delivery processes take place through an online platform. You can get all the answers to your questions by writing to us: info@osakaff.fun
16. PUBLICITY: The organizers have the right to use the submitted works for advertising purposes.
17. RESPECT: Participants must show respect to other participants and members of the organizing committee of the film festival.
WORK WITH US
WORK WITH US
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WORK WITH US
WORK WITH US
WORK WITH US
WORK WITH US
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CONTACT US
Call: + 080-4657-8923
Send: info@osakaff.fun
Register to participate in the Osaka Film Festival
OSAKA FILM FESTIVAL
