News & Reports

The 27th edition of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), an Academy Award® -accredited festival and one of Asia’s largest international short film festivals, was held in 2025.

Under the theme “creative active generative,” the festival aimed to bring together filmmakers from around the world to showcase their creativity, foster interactions between works, audiences, creators, and companies, and generate new synergies. The fest ival also embraced emerging technologies, including generative AI, to create new forms of creative expression and envisioned the future of SSFF & ASIA.

At today’s culmination of the 2025 edition — the Awards Ceremony — honors were presented across a wide range of categories, including a record-setting five films that qualified for nomination for the following year’s Academy Awards®. These included the three live-action categories (International, Asia International, and Japan), as well as the Non -Fiction and Animation categories.

In addition, awards were also presented for the U-25 Project, the SHIBUYA DIVERSITY AWARD, the HOPPY HAPPY Award, the Global Spotlight Award, the Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab 3rd Term Excellence Award, the CyberAgent Vertical Film Award, and the Best Thrill Award supported by CRG.

The prestigious Grand Prix of the festival, the George Lucas Award, selected by a distinguished panel of judges — Debo Adedayo, Juri Ueno, Miyuki Fukuma, Sandrine Faucher Cassidy, Satoshi Jinbo, Shunji Iwai, Tao Okamoto, Ryohei Odai, and Tomoyuki Sugiyama — was awarded to “Pantyhose” (Finland), directed by Fabian Munsterhjelm, which also received the Best Short Award in the Live Action International category.

“The Official Competition was praised by the jury for its compelling and thought -provoking lineup of films that sharply reflect the relationship between individuals and society through diverse approaches and expressive techniques ” Jury member Miyuki Fukuma commented.

“These works critically illuminate the state of humanity and society today through a wide variety of creative methods. While m any films address contemporary issues such as climate change, the Palestinian conflict, developmental disorders, and lookism, oth ers offer intimate portrayals of personal emotions and relationships. The coexistence of social depth and individual perspective left a lasting impression” Jury member Tomoyuki Sugiyama remarked.

“What does it mean to be human? That question —or rather, that cry—was powerfully conveyed throughout. These stories juxtapose the human condition with society, the environment, the cosmos, and life itself. Even the smallest narratives carrie d grand, expansive visions” Jury member Ryohei Odai added .

Below is the list of today’s award winners, including those from the Official Competition. All award -winning and nominated films from the Official Competition will be available for special extended streaming on the Online Grand Theater until Monday, June 30.We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing these powerful works.
https://app.lifelogbox.com/shortshortsonlinegrandtheater

SSFF & ASIA 2025 Grand Prix “George Lucas Award“ / Live-action Competition International Best Short Award 【Candidate for the 98 th Academy Awards Nominee】

『Pantyhose』 

Director：Fabian Munsterhjelm / 0:14:30 / Finland / Drama / 2024

A couple are about to attend an important gala. They have their keys, phones and invitations, but there is a hole in their tights.

【Reason for Award 】

Pantyhose stood out for its exceptional acting, capturing a nuanced range of emotions, from excitement and anxiety to irritat ion, anger, and tenderness, with seamless authenticity. The film skillfully explores how couples navigate conflict and miscommuni cation, 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 witn ess to a slice of real life. This work fully embraces the unique strengths of short filmmaking.

Live-action Competition Asia International Best Short Award/Governor of Tokyo Award 【Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

『The Burning Night』

Director: Demon Wong / 20:08 / Hong Kong / Drama / 2024

Speeding through the late-night streets of Guangzhou in 2008, teenagers vented their frustration with the external world. The troubles they caused unexpectedly dissipated amidst the bright fireworks welcoming the Olympics, and the fervour inspired by the nationwide celebration.

【Reason for Award】

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 rebelli on. The symbolic use of fire against the backdrop of political demonstrations underscores the emotional volatility of youth and t he intensity of moments that burn bright and fast. The performances and visuals alike pulse with the vibrant energy of a festiva l just before it ignites.

Live-action Competition Japan Best Short Award/Governor of Tokyo Award 【Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

『UPSIDE-DOWN GENIUS』 

Director：Ryotaro Nishi / 0:05:52 / Japan / Experimental / 2024

Dr. Noboru Sakai was a genius, but an odd one who, for some reason, always conducted his research hanging upside -down. One day, a new secretary named Margaret arrives at his laboratory. Claiming to be “perfect,” she begins a strange life alongside the “upside-down genius” doctor.

【Reason for Award】

Upside Down Genius is a wonderfully original and playful short film that truly showcases the potential of the format. Its foc us 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 qu irky premise, it maintains a strong sense of balance in storytelling, direction, and design. The art direction and overall product ion efforts were especially noteworthy. Among all the entries, this film stood out with the strongest impact, delivering a perfec t blend of creativity, humor, and technical skill. A standout work that leaves a lasting impression.

■The number of submissions for the Official Competition

・International Competition Submissions：1,980（91 countries and regions） Screened：29

・Asia International Competition Submissions：738（23 countries and regions） Screened：21

・Japan Competition Submissions：218 Screened：21

■Prize Money：¥600,000 (JPY)

■Judges（in alphabetical order)：International Debo Adedayo、Juri Ueno、Miyuki Fukuma Asia International Sandrine Faucher Cassidy、Shunji Iwai、Satoshi Jimbo

Non-Fiction Competition Best Short Award【Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

『Inside, The Valley Sings』 

Director：Nathan Fagan / 0:14:59 / Ireland / Non-Fiction / 2024

Trapped in the never-ending horror of prolonged solitary confinement, three prisoners seek comfort and escape in the boundless vistas of their own imaginations.

【Reason for Award】

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 guid ing the viewer into the inner worlds of those affected. The use of animation was a bold choice to convey an incredibly difficult subj ect 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 surviva l. Though the film is set in the U.S., its message transcends national boundaries, calling attention to global issues of wrongfu l 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.

■Non-fiction Program Submissions：295（35 countries and regions） Screened：15

■Prize Money：¥600,000 (JPY) ■Judges：Debo Adedayo、Juri Ueno、Miyuki Fukuma

Animation Competition Best Short Award【 Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

『Solstice』 

Director: Luke Angus / 0:11:00 / Scotland / Drama / 2024

A lonely Inuit must endure the endless summer daylight to be reunited with his lost love.

【Reason for Award】

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 stri king contrast between the midnight sun and the polar night to reflect the inner world of a grieving protagonist. The film’s carefu l 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 movin g. The music is used with sensitivity, enhancing the animation and mirroring the feelings of the characters. Ultimately, Solstic e 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.

■Animation Program Submissions：417（35 countries） Screened：52

■Prize Money：¥600,000 (JPY)

■Judges （Alphabetical Order）： Tomoyuki Sugiyama、Tao Okamoto、Ryōhei Odai

U-25 Project Best Short Award【Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

『Happy Valentine’s Day』

Director： Kyu Shibata /4:48/Japan/Music Video /2024

One Valentine’s Day, the protagonist, an unpopular high school boy, is getting ready to go home from school as usual, when he is stopped by a girl…!?

【Reason for Award】

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 so me 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 

Backstage 

Husband’s Leg

Kazutomo Ogata 

Kimi Yawata 

Kanji Furutachi

Shibuya Diversity Award

This award will be given to a work chosen from a selection of films that picture diversity and inclusion, which are part of t he educational activities to spread the fundamental plan of Shibuya City.

『Ikigai』

Director：Trent Cooper / 0:20:12 / United States / NonFiction / 2023

The call finally came. After all that time Al -Rilwan Adeyemi had spent staying in shape over the two years since finishing college. Never giving up on his dream, an NFL team was finally on the line at last. But his answer was something they did not expect.

HOPPY HAPPY AWARD

The “Be HAPPY with HOPPY Award” will be chosen from among the nominated short films by Japanese directors that best embodies Hoppy beverage’s theme of being “HAPPY with HOPPY.” The winning works will be screened at “HOPPY HAPPY THEATER” which will open in June.

『A Walk With You』 

Director：Saori Kouzuki / 0:16:14 / Japan / Drama / 2025

The Kojimas run an onsen, hot spring inn. The husband decided he wanted a dog, but the wife tried to talk him out, saying he couldn’t look after the dog. To prove he can look after a dog, he starts to take a stuffed dog for a walk.

Best Thrill Award supported by CRG 【Candidate for The 98 th Academy Award Nominee】

・Innovative Fear・Addictive Fear・Uncanny Fear A work that possesses a unique worldview, an addictive quality that captivates the audience, and the most spine -chilling, uncanny sense of fear. This award, presented by the creator agency CRG, honors the most emotionally impactful work among the nominees in the Horror & Suspense category, evaluated from these three perspectives.

『ABYSS』 

Director：Tekkou Nogami / 0:14:16 / Japan / Drama / 2024

UTA, a delivery man living on an isolated island in Japan, arrives at the scene with his cowherd TAKESHI to clean up after his girlfriend NANA, who has committed murder. the three go into the forest to remove the body and dump it in a bottomless pit that TAKESHI saw when he was a child.

CyberAgent Vertical Award

An award presented to works or projects that have demonstrated “high impact and expressive power” in vertical short film content within Japan in recent years.

Global Spotlight Award

Selected by the Committee for Short Shorts, this award is given to the creator or artist of a short film that inspires a broa d audience and receives widespread, global attention.

『MARION』 

Director：Joe Weiland & Finn Constantine / 0:13:17 / France, United Kingdom / Drama / 2024

Marion, the only female écarteur in France, prepares for her performance in a packed arena.