Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab is calling out for short film pitches (for films of no longer than 25 minutes) from around the world with the aim of discovering and supporting new filmmakers. 

The winning pitch will be announced at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), to take place in Tokyo, Japan, in June 2025. SSFF & ASIA is one of the largest international short film festivals in Asia and is also recognised by the Academy Awards. 

Kodansha's purpose is to ‘Inspire Impossible Stories’, and they are therefore looking for submissions from visual creators who want to create impossible stories that will inspire. 

Eligibility

Individuals, companies, corporations, and organisations can submit pitches. The competition welcomes submissions from not only directors but also producers, animators, CG creators, and production companies. 

Support

The Lab will award 10 million JPY to successful applicants to make their film and after completion they will submit the film to festivals in Japan and abroad.

Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab 2025 application guidelines 

Deadline: 30 November 2024

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