Dates: Wednesday, October 22nd to Sunday, October 26th, 2025, Online Grand Theater: Wednesday, October 22nd to Monday, November 10th, 2025

The Place Before Daybreak

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Online

Naoya, living in the heart of Tokyo, spent his days caught up in the routines of a work-centered life. It had been a long time since he indulged in his favorite pastime — traveling, something he had loved since his university days.

One day, out of the blue, he receives a phone call from Shogo, a senior from his university, inviting him on a trip to Okutama. Though puzzled by the sudden invitation, Naoya heads out to Okutama, where Shogo introduces him to an American traveler named Jackson.

The three of them explore the lush natural surroundings — a place so rich in nature it hardly feels like it’s still part of Tokyo. Along the way, they meet warm-hearted locals and

Director
Sara Masuda
Time
0:19:16
Country
Japan
Year
2025

Director

Sara Masuda

Born in 2001 in Tokyo, Japan. Joined BABEL LABEL in 2020.

She started working as a photographer at the age of 16. She is also active as a filmmaker now, expanding creative activities by directing and shooting music videos, among other projects. Her short film “Kafune’s Prayer” won the Audience Award in the Japan Competiton at SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2024. As of 2025, their Instagram following has surpassed 160,000 followers.

Screening

Screening Venue

VenueScheduleTicket Reservation
AKASAKA INTERCITY CONFERENCE CENTER2025.10.26 [Sun] 14:30 - 19:00

Online Screening

OnlinescheduleOnline Screening
Online Grand Theater2025.10.27 [Mon] - 11.10 [Mon]

Recommended

Organizer

Committee for Short Shorts Film Festival Asia

Patronage

J-WAVE, Inc.

Co-organizer

Tokyo

Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Organizer

Japan Cultural Expo 2.0

Partner

Tokyo International Film Festival

Venue Supporter

NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE CO.,LTD.

Support

Direct. Network systems.