JIFF 2025 Award Winners Video Now Available — Next Festival to Be Held in April 2027 —

 We are pleased to announce the release of a new JIFF 2025 Award Winners Introduction Video,

https://youtu.be/knf_hl9-8Hk?si=jMFVmKIUcLymOT0r

edited from the official nomination and award announcement VTR screened at the JIFF 2025 Award Ceremony.

This video offers a concise overview of the nominated and award-winning films of JIFF 2025,
capturing the atmosphere of the ceremony and highlighting the filmmakers and works selected this year.

Whether you were unable to attend the ceremony or joined us in person,
we hope this video allows you to revisit the films and rediscover their unique qualities.

The video also serves as the official visual record of the nominations and award results of JIFF 2025.
We invite you to enjoy the video on our YouTube channel.

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About the JIFF Judging Process and Policy

At JIFF, the selection of nominated and award-winning films is based on a multi-stage judging process.

All submitted films are first reviewed by multiple pre-screening judges,
after which the official selections and award recipients are determined.

JIFF does not publicly disclose the names of pre-screening judges.
This policy is in place to prevent filmmakers from directly approaching judges through social media or private channels,
and to ensure that all films are evaluated solely on their artistic merit.

Protecting an environment in which each film is judged only by its content
is one of JIFF’s most important principles.

For the final judging stage, JIFF employs a score-based evaluation system.
Judges do not hold discussions or consultations with one another,
and individual scores are not shared among judges.
This structure ensures that each judge evaluates films independently,
without influence from the opinions or evaluations of others.

JIFF is committed to being a film festival where
films are judged by their strength and creativity—not by reputation or personal connections.

Next JIFF Season & Call for Entries

JIFF is now accepting entries for the next season.

https://filmfreeway.com/JapanIndiesFilmfestival

Until now, JIFF has been held in November.
Beginning with the next edition, the festival schedule will shift to April.

The next JIFF screenings and award ceremony will take place on:

April 20 & 21, 2027
Theater Guild Daikanyama, Tokyo

Starting with the next season, JIFF will introduce two new short film categories:

• Short Action

• Short Comedy

In addition, a new First-Time Director category has been established,
creating screening opportunities specifically for debut feature and short films by new directors.

At JIFF, films may be submitted to multiple categories,
allowing filmmakers to choose categories that best reflect the strengths and style of their work.

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A Message to Filmmakers

JIFF aims to be a place where new talent is discovered
and where independent filmmakers from around the world can take their next step forward.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to the next JIFF season.

https://filmfreeway.com/JapanIndiesFilmfestival