Awards
The award results for SSFF & ASIA 2025
George Lucas Award(Grand Prix)
Live-action Competition
International Best Short Award
Pantyhose
Fabian Munsterhjelm
Pantyhose stood out for its exceptional acting, capturing a nuanced range of emotions, from excitement and anxiety to irritation, anger, and tenderness, with seamless authenticity. The film skillfully explores how couples navigate conflict and miscommunication, using a confined setting and real-time pacing to build tension and emotional depth.
What begins with a small incident, a run in pantyhose, evolves into a compelling portrayal of shifting emotional dynamics between a couple. The one-take format not only heightens the intensity but also showcases the strength of the performances and direction, making the viewer feel like a witness to a slice of real life. This work fully embraces the unique strengths of short filmmaking.
Asia International Best Short Award/Governor of Tokyo Award
The Burning Night
Demon Wong
A powerful and atmospheric portrayal of fleeting youth and unrest, Burning Night impressed with its expressive visual language and documentary-like realism. Without relying on exposition or dialogue, the film captures the raw energy and impulsiveness of young people, echoing the tension of a single night set ablaze, both literally and metaphorically. The camera work and street-level fluidity stood out, immersing the viewer in a visceral experience that evokes the spirit of rebellion. The symbolic use of fire against the backdrop of political demonstrations underscores the emotional volatility of youth and the intensity of moments that burn bright and fast. The performances and visuals alike pulse with the vibrant energy of a festival just before it ignites.
Jury’s Comments
– Shunji Iwai
Burning Night was well done. It didn’t rely on dialogue to explain things, it had more of a documentary-like style. The title Burning Night fits, since fire is a central theme. There’s a sort of flow from youthful mischief, kind of reckless, impulsive behavior, that leads up to a more serious event, even if it’s just over half a day. it left a strong impression as a kind of portrayal of the night.
One film that stood out was Moti. It captured the shift we’re all going through as the COVID era comes to an end; it’s a universal story, especially Moti’s journey. There was something symbolic and mysterious about Moti, the dog who became human, disappearing along with the end of that era. It left a lingering, almost poetic feeling that stayed with me. I thought it was a clever and touching approach.
– Sandine Cassidy
I enjoyed Burning Night, a film about youth in the city. It felt like a French suburban film in terms of genre, especially those films that capture the suburbs of Paris and how the young people rebel. This one feels very current. I love the camera work and the fluidity of the street footage.
Blind Spot was magical, I loved this film. Exquisite classic filmmaking. The kid, Supriyo, is great, and the relationship with the mom was beautiful. The writing is deep, incredibly intimate, and the characters exist within the story. I was just loving watching them live their lives.
– Satoshi Jimbo
Burning Night was wonderful, the youthful energy and that unique excitement of people and community atmosphere that happens right before a festival, it all came through in the visuals. The performers had a certain powerful presence.
A special mention to the film The Wanderers. The story development, the acting, and the direction all worked together beautifully, I felt the emotions of the main character came through very clearly. Overall, it felt like a balanced piece, and that’s why I chose it as my top pick.
Japan Best Short Award/Governor of Tokyo Award
UPSIDE-DOWN GENIUS
Ryotaro Nishi
Upside Down Genius is a wonderfully original and playful short film that truly showcases the potential of the format. Its focus on visual illusion is fresh and thought-provoking, sparking curiosity and encouraging repeat viewings—some even found themselves flipping their screens upside down the second time around. The film immerses the viewer in a unique world, and despite its quirky premise, it maintains a strong sense of balance in storytelling, direction, and design. The art direction and overall production efforts were especially noteworthy. Among all the entries, this film stood out with the strongest impact, delivering a perfect blend of creativity, humor, and technical skill. A standout work that leaves a lasting impression.
Jury’s Comments
– -Shunji Iwai
I truly thought it was a wonderful piece. The director’s vision was clear and sharp. The whole film felt like it was built purely from a strong idea, which is often hard to pull off. The concept was everything, the art direction, and especially the upside-down perspective, was brilliantly done. I was completely fooled by it, so much so that I watched it twice. The second time, I actually tried watching it upside down, and I realized for the first time how powerful this kind of optical illusion can be.
A special mention to ABYSS, I felt like the darkness of the night created space for the audience to interpret the story on their own, and that was insightful. I found myself wondering, What kind of story is this? only to be led to a surprising and convincing conclusion. The choice to use only a flashlight and leave most things in total darkness was especially striking. That decision taught me how much space that kind of darkness can give the audience to think and imagine. It was a very meaningful and powerful use of direction.
– -Sandine Cassidy
Original and funny story. Upside Down Genius was a perfect fit for a short film. It wasn’t too long, was very well made, and had a silly premise that it carried through all the way. I got into the world, I decided to let go and pretend that we were in this world they created, and I felt like they did a very good job, which is typically something difficult for a short film.
The Bride Who Rides A Sleigh had Gorgeous cinematography with a subtle social commentary. I couldn’t take my eyes away from this film. It was really so beautifully shot and appealed to my movie adventure with the big scope and the snow. I was surprised by the story because the parents unexpectedly were in support of this “love” marriage as opposed to arranging something their daughter would not want. And I felt like it was such a kind family.
– Satoshi Jimbo
Upside Down Genius, it sure had the biggest impact of all the selected films for the Japan category. Overall balance was very good and fun to watch. It was quite different compared to all other films in this category. It sure had the biggest impact of all the films I watched.
I thought Ai wo Tateru ~ Stand for Love~ was a well-made film. The visuals were beautiful, and the story unfolded smoothly. Most of all, the actors’ performances were incredibly convincing. When those three elements: visuals, storytelling, and acting, come together like this, it truly becomes a film worth watching.
Other Competitions
Non-Fiction Competition Best Short Award
Inside, The Valley Sings
Nathan Fagan
Inside, The Valley Sings stood out as an exceptionally powerful non-fiction work. Through two years of recorded voices and intimate storytelling, the film sheds light on the devastating reality of solitary confinement while guiding the viewer into the inner worlds of those affected.
The use of animation was a bold choice to convey an incredibly difficult subject with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. Rather than distancing the audience, the animated form created space for empathy and reflection, making the story more relatable without diminishing its weight. The work poignantly underscores the essential human need for imagination when faced with absolute isolation, reminding us of the importance of fiction as a form of survival. Though the film is set in the U.S., its message transcends national boundaries, calling attention to global issues of wrongful imprisonment, lost time, and systemic injustice. It resonates strongly in places like Japan, where real cases such as the Hakamada incident echo the themes of this film.
Jury’s Comments
– Debo Adedayo
Inside, The Valley Sings is a deeply compelling story that blends art and advocacy with remarkable finesse. It stands out as a powerful call for social reform, created not just to entertain but to educate, inform, and inspire meaningful change. Its ability to balance emotional resonance with a clear message makes it an exceptional and impactful project.This film completely changed my perspective on the use of animation; it made the narrative more relatable and accessible without losing any of its emotional depth or significance. It demonstrates how animation, when used with intention and integrity, can amplify a story’s impact in powerful ways. I believe this film opens up exciting possibilities for animated non-fiction.
I was also deeply moved by The Shift. A beautifully vulnerable film, subtle in its
-Miyuki Fukuma
In the extreme situation of absolute solitude in solitary confinement, the last thing one can cling to is “fantasy” – Inside, The Valley Sings quietly and strongly emphasizes how essential and indispensable fiction is to human beings. The choice of a highly fictionalized animated approach, while incorporating the real voices of the people involved, shows the filmmaker’s strong will, trust in expression, and determination. Even though the film was set in America, it highlights the issue of long-term detention due to false accusations, reminiscent of the Hakamada case in Japan, and it exposes the “social sin” of stealing time from innocent people that can never be regained.
A Color I Named Blue was a profound and poetic work that shook my view of the color “blue” to its very core. Fascinated with the traditional indigo-dyeing technique, the quest for the ultimate “blue” with colleagues who have different color vision is mysterious and touching. The history, cognitive science, and personal memories of color are intricately interwoven in this work, which raises questions about “What is color?” and “What is the act of seeing?” from multiple perspectives, and is rich in depth and reverberations.
– Juri Ueno
This film raises solemn themes that will have a profound impact on a person’s lifetime; the two years of real voice recordings tell the story of the irreparable loss of time. The content and heavy reverberations are so rare that they could not have been created without animation. No one will be able to look away from the issues raised, which are left firmly at the end, while the technique of animation softens the impact of the real voice recordings, supports the viewer’s mind, and gives room for the imagination. It made me strongly feel the need to tell the world about it.
For special mention, I chose One Day I Will Hug You. One father’s straight-up righteousness resulted in him being torn apart for a long time from his beloved family, leaving his little daughter behind for the absurd convenience of society. The weight of that time. An old father and his grown-up daughter when they meet again. The father’s many letters to his daughter were overflowing with unwaveringly warm love from the chasm of time, and the contrast with the reality of the complicated blank chasm added depth to the work. If such an absurd event had not occurred, the family would have loved each other more naturally – such “what if” feelings and the process of gradually bridging the reality gap were carefully depicted, so that the story is no longer a dream but a story of dreams, and we can see the vivid colors returning in the family It is no longer a dream, but a reality, and I want to watch with all my heart for the return of vivid colors in the family.
Animation Competition Best Short Award
Solstice
Luke Angus
Solstice is a visually stunning and emotionally profound film that captures the delicate balance between nature’s vast beauty and human fragility. Through a simple yet deeply emotional story, it reveals the intricate details of Inuit life and the striking contrast between the midnight sun and the polar night to reflect the inner world of a grieving protagonist. The film’s careful attention to visual textures, like the snow and small, symbolic elements such as a calendar made from fishing hooks, shows a remarkable level of craft. The character’s emotional journey, where even the return of the sun brings sorrow, is deeply moving. The music is used with sensitivity, enhancing the animation and mirroring the feelings of the characters. Ultimately, Solstice asks what it means to live, to grieve, and to rediscover meaning in nature, reminding us that even in loss, there can be beauty, connection, and healing.
Jury’s Comments
– Ryōhei Odai
The film was visually stunning. It skillfully incorporated the fine details of Inuit life and the contrast between the midnight sun and polar night to effectively convey the protagonist’s emotions, all within a simple storyline.
The elements shown on screen, like the sky, snow, and forest, were all very minimal, but I could sense the director’s deep attention to detail. As someone who has a personal connection to Sweden and has experienced the real midnight sun there, I’ve felt firsthand the joy people feel towards the summer sun. But this film offered the opposite. Normally, the appearance of the sun is considered a blessing, but for this protagonist, it’s the reverse.
Having lost someone important, the sunlight now brings a sense of loneliness. That emotional contrast felt incredibly unique and deeply moving. It was a film that naturally brought tears to my eyes.
Sisowath Quay stood out. Visually, the film is striking, even grotesque at times. It delivers a powerful message, a strong warning directed at civilization, telling us that the true monster threatening Mother Earth is humanity itself.
– Tao Okamoto
I felt that the film’s depiction of everyday life was incredibly real. The little details were adorable and beautifully done. I was especially struck by the traditional costumes, or rather, the texture of the fur, which made me wonder if it was created using some new kind of animation technique.
The quality of the animation and how it blends with the music left a strong impression. The theme song, in particular, was used very effectively depending on the scene, and it beautifully reflected the emotional states of the two main characters.
A special mention to Weeds, the visuals spoke to me; it had that timeless, picture-book-like quality, and I felt like I could watch it forever. The message was simple, something even children could understand, but within that simplicity. I felt a deeper layer about how people tend to exclude what they perceive as “other,” something humanity has repeated throughout history. That message came through so gently, portrayed in a flower field. I interpreted it as a metaphor for the way we treat outsiders.
– Tomoyuki Sugiyama
I was deeply moved by how this story shows that, even in the harshest environments, human beings can survive if they have something to believe in. It’s a film that questions both the beauty of the Earth and what it truly means to be human. The contrast between the midnight sun and the polar night, and the loneliness of losing a loved one, where even sunlight no longer feels warm, was poignant. The protagonist’s joy in finding a shining star within the endless daylight and choosing to abandon the calendar left a strong impression. The vast, silver landscape and sparkling starry sky were stunning. Perhaps, when living in nature, we find ways to connect with the soul.
Special mention to Her Wish, a Beautiful artwork, the animation flow is beautiful. The idea of expressing the main character’s mind and mental state at the riverside was amazing. Eventually, the main character must confront reality. My heart was filled with harmony.
U-25 Project Best Short Award
Happy Valentine’s Day
Kyu Shibata
A fresh and energetic work packed with humor and charm. The director shows a great sense of rhythm, especially in the way the music and editing are perfectly in sync. With its standout performances, especially the unforgettable expressions and physical comedy of the protagonist, the film radiates a raw, youthful passion, everyone involved clearly just really wants some chocolate… and maybe a little love! It’s an energetic and inventive project that stands out as a new kind of creative work we haven’t seen before in the U-25 competition, smart as a music video, sharp as a comedy, and totally full of heart.
Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab
Where Seira Isn’t
Kazutomo Ogata
Backstage
Kimi Yawata
Husband’s Leg
Kanji Furutachi
The 11th Book Shorts Award Best Award
Amagoi
Mari Nakanishi
Book Short Award Encouragement Award
Meishin
Ayumu Higo
SSFF & ASIA 2025 Promotional Movie Contest Best Short Clip Award
Sishi
BRANDED SHORTS
International Competition
Branded Shorts of the Year
The Comments Section|Meat & Livestock Australia
【Client】Meat & Livestock Australia
National Competition
Branded Shorts of the Year
Kokoro: Student from an All-Boys School
【Client】Otsuka Foods Co., Ltd.
HR Competition supported by Indeed HR Best Short Award
THE ROAD TO EVEREST
【Client】Columbia Sportswear Japan
The 14th Visual Tourism Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commisioner’s Award
The Path of Kaneyama, A Century of Light
The 14th Visual Tourism Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commisioner’s Award
Discover 3rd Destination in Kansai, Japan
The Boxfish and the Sea of Minamata
Personal Branding Award
Akitonton
Gadabouts
Cyber Bunny
Other Awards
TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD
Naomi Kawase
Special Contribution AWARD
MIRRORLIAR FILMS Season7
Japan Spotlight AWARD
Henna Koe
Yugo Sakamoto
Jury’s Comments
– Debo Adedayo
The film Pantyhose stood out to me because of its beautiful acting. Some emotions, like anger, are easy to portray, but others, like confusion, excitement, or anxiety, are much more subtle and difficult to convey. Watching the two leads seamlessly navigate all these feelings, from frustration to joy, from apprehension to sadness, was truly beautiful. Another element that struck me was how the film quietly explores the dynamics of relationships. It shows that love isn’t always easy; there are conflicts, misunderstandings, and difficult moments. But it also reminds us that if both people are willing, they can meet halfway and work things out. And technically, the film’s use of space was outstanding.
I also want to mention Lees Waxul, a film I found deeply moving for different reasons. It’s a beautifully told story that uses something as simple as bread to explore complex ideas of politics and societal behavior. It highlights how people often only speak out when they’re personally affected, and how self-interest can override the collective good.
– Miyuki Fukuma
For Pantyhose, starting the story with “a hole in pantyhose,” a situation many women can relate to, is a unique approach. The addition of a time limit creates a sense of urgency, and the reversal of tension from the woman to the man is executed brilliantly. The actors’ delicate performances, paired with long camera shots, give the audience a realistic impression of the emotions that unfold as they get dressed and exposed. This film effectively captures the essence of short films, showcasing intense drama that can only be achieved within the limited space of a house.
Passarinho is a charming story that explores a young girl’s various rites of passage, such as love and rebellion against parents, friendship, first menstruation, and feelings of longing, all told in a short and lighthearted tone. The film skillfully intertwines two main themes: the adventure of obtaining a soccer player’s autograph and the restoration of a mother-daughter relationship. With its charming characters, fast-paced editing, and engaging music, the film creates a lively and memorable
– Juri Ueno
Pantyhose was filmed in a single take from beginning to end, giving it a live feeling. I was thoroughly entertained by the accomplished acting and script throughout the entire film. The small incidents that occur on everyday yet special days—events we often wish to avoid—will resonate with everyone. The camerawork was appealing as it conveyed a sense of passion and unity with the performers that only a short film can achieve. The setting, where a cab is called but arrives increasingly late, feels very contemporary. As the story progresses, there is a balance that allows viewers to sympathize with both sides of the emotional conflict, and I believe the pacing was also excellent.
The story of I See You is quite simple, featuring only a few characters. The English title “I See You”, which means “awareness,” resonates deeply, especially in a poignant scene where the main character shares this word with her daughter, who has Down Syndrome. This moment left a lasting impression on me. I found the final scene to be a powerful yet straightforward portrayal of a mother’s struggle to raise her child. It encapsulates the essential lessons she learns from her daughter’s life and reflects her vow to herself.