Submit Early to JIFF 2027 – Early Bird Deadline at the End of February

Submit Early to JIFF 2027 – Early Bird Deadline at the End of February

The Japan Indies Film Festival (JIFF) will take place on

April 20–21, 2027
at Theater Guild Daikanyama in Tokyo.

Submissions are now open.

The Early Bird deadline is at the end of February, and if you are planning to submit, this is the most advantageous time to do so.

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Why Submit During the Early Bird Period?

The Early Bird rate offers the lowest submission fee available.

Please note that the Early Bird discount applies exclusively to submissions made via FilmFreeway.
It does not apply to submissions made through other platforms.

Submit here:
https://filmfreeway.com/JapanIndiesFilmfestival

Submitting early not only reduces your entry cost, but also allows your film to enter the review process sooner.

JIFF operates under a structured scoring system conducted by multiple preliminary reviewers.
Reviewers evaluate independently and do not see each other’s scores, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process.

Every film is judged on its own merit.

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A New Season: Moving from November to April

Since its founding, JIFF has traditionally been held in November.
Beginning with the upcoming edition, the festival will move to April.

This new spring schedule creates a different positioning within the international festival calendar and offers filmmakers a fresh strategic opportunity.

In addition, the submission period has been set slightly longer than usual, giving filmmakers more flexibility to plan their entries and complete their works.

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New Categories Introduced for 2027

JIFF 2027 introduces four new award categories:

• First-Time Director

• First-Time Short Director

• Comedy Short

• Action Short　　　　These additions expand opportunities for recognition.

  For example, a short action film by a first-time director may be eligible for:

  • Short Film category

  • First-Time Short Director category

  • Action Short category

  This allows a single work to compete in multiple categories, increasing its potential for recognition.

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  Spotlight on Japan-Related Works

  At JIFF 2025, we featured a notable number of films connected to Japan—either through subject matter or through directors based in Japan.　For the upcoming edition, we plan to continue presenting a dedicated screening focus for films connected to Japan as the host country.

  International filmmakers whose work engages with Japanese themes, culture, or collaboration are especially encouraged to submit.

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  JIFF 2027 – Festival Information　Japan Indies Film Festival 2027

  April 20–21, 2027
  Theater Guild Daikanyama, Tokyo

  The Early Bird deadline is at the end of February.

  Submit via FilmFreeway:
  https://filmfreeway.com/JapanIndiesFilmfestival

  We look forward to discovering distinctive and compelling films from around the world.