Awards Winners

-Yuya Ishii
Trio is the kind of film that makes you want to say, “This is what humanity and cinema is all about.” It’s incredibly entertaining without complex reasoning or explanations. This level of engagement isn’t something an amateur or unrefined technique could pull off. It is a masterfully crafted piece of work.
For special mention I chose Samba Infinito.
In addition to the superb opening shot, there are several striking and amusing scenes that really showcase the director’s unique style. I was quietly moved by the protagonist’s awkward singing at the end. The musical score is also wonderful. It’s one of my favorite films.

-Kristin JI
Trio is a simple and straightforward piece, yet very entertaining comedy film that everyone can relate to. I’m sure this film will be a great inspiration for the next generation of young filmmakers.
For special mention I chose Living Stones.
The main character’s performance was impressive, striking a huge impact on the screen. Also I loved the decision of the director to leave open possibilities for the audience to interpret the ending in their own way. It is a well thought story combining solid direction and realization.

-Miki Mizuno
In short films, the decision of what you decide not to show on the screen often has a greater impact than what you actually choose to show. In this sense, Trio condenses the best of a short film. It is remarkably bold, simple, and clear. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to recommend it to everyone.
For special mention I chose Concrete Kids.
Although the film is about the heavy theme of bullying in a close community, I was struck by the use of music, dance, and color in the contrasting violent scenes. I also appreciated how the central narrative came across clearly, and how the protagonist’s performance conveyed his emotions in a raw and vivid way.

I am deeply grateful to receive the award for Best International Short Film at Short Shorts.
As a comedian and filmmaker from Norway, it means so much to discover that something created on the other side of the world can resonate with audiences here in Japan. It reminds me that even small and simple ideas about everyday life and communication can travel far and hold meaning for others.
The process of creating can sometimes be lonely. To be here and discover that people connect with the film is empowering. It strengthens my sense of belonging and motivates me to keep creating.
I believe comedy has the power to bring people together. In the end, that is also what this film is about: belonging.
Thank you.

Any highlights or recommended points of your film:
Trio is a non-verbal comedy told entirely through physical performance. I wanted to create a film that could make people laugh regardless of language or culture, while also exploring a universal human experience through physical comedy.
Any films or directors that have influenced you:
If I had to name just a couple, Buster Keaton has been a great source of inspiration for my approach to comedy and visual storytelling. Robert Bresson has inspired me with his simplicity and precision, and his ability to express profound human emotion through the smallest details.

-Ryan Ashore
SPEEDY! is a brilliant and highly imaginative film with a beautifully crafted visual style and a carefully designed color palette that evokes a subtle Wes Anderson sensibility while maintaining its own unique identity. Beneath its playful aesthetic is an engaging and heartfelt story, executed with confidence, originality, and charm.

For special mention, I chose Bye Bye Garbage.
The film is beautifully shot, with strong production value and an excellent performance from the lead actress. Its unique premise transforms fear into companionship in a way that feels both imaginative and emotionally engaging. Moving seamlessly between thriller, comedy, and sadness, the film carries a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of a Guillermo del Toro story, supported by memorable and beautifully crafted character design.

-Kazuki Kitamura
I felt that SPEEDY! had a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era and skilfully captured the absurdity of human behaviour without over-explaining it. The dubious premise of a “school where you can learn to do anything” creates a world that is both suspicious and nostalgic, making this a truly wonderful work.

For the special mention, I chose The Itch.
A story that unfolds in a way only a short film can. It skillfully portrays a teenage girl. The acting of everyone is wonderful, and we can also see the family relationships. The cinematography, music, and editing are also excellent.
Everything is fantastic! It doesn’t just end up being a sensational subject matter. It also skillfully portrays the emotions of the family.

-Chieko Murata
SPEEDY! has a great visual style and excellent casting. It’s a dark, but entertaining piece with great world-building and storytelling.

For the special mention, I chose That’s a Wrap.
Powerful acting and precise direction, this film delivers insightful human observations that transcend the typical ‘behind-the-scenes’ industry trope. The film goes well beyond simple comedic gags, offering a deeply developed script and rich character study that could truly only be captured in a short film. It is a brilliant, tight narrative with a universal resonance so strong that it leaves the viewer wanting to see it remade across multiple languages.

[Asia International Best Film Award]
Thank you Japan, Thank you Tokyo. It is a tremendous honor to receive this award among so many outstanding filmakers and short films from all around the world.

[Grand Prix – George Lucas Award]
Thank you so much, Japan. This is beyond my expectations. I didn’t expect this at all, 100%.
I emptied my luggage for all the souvenirs, but in the end it was the right choice because I have these awards to bring back to Seoul. (*I said it as a joke.)
Many people reduce my film to being just about speed, but it’s actually about a system.
I wanted to talk about a young Asian girl who tries to learn about a system, a system that everybody believes in but that does not always work as it should.
Thank you for this really big award. And I mean literally this is huge. Again, thank you so much.

-Ryan Ashore
Round and Round’s restrained and minimalist approach creates a quiet and reflective atmosphere, allowing the dialogue and performances to carry the emotional weight of the story.
For special mention I chose Smile Shines Wet, a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted film carried by a powerful central performance. The grandfather is written and portrayed with great sensitivity, allowing the character’s pain and quiet transformation to feel genuine and moving. Supported by beautiful music and a restrained atmosphere, the film leaves a lasting emotional impression.

-Kazuki Kitamura
Round and Round is a great example of what makes a short film so wonderful, using continuous single-take shots that brings out the absolute best in the script. With its fresh concepts, writing, acting, and direction, this piece overflows with future promise.
For special mention I chose Unknown. When the environment changes, the definition of what is right also changes. The same is true in adult society. The poignancy of real-world problems that tear friendships apart. The fact that it doesn’t overemphasize the idea that different right answers depend on the circumstances is a good point.

-Chieko Murata
While Round and Round is about a theme that has also appeared in other works, this film features a well-crafted story that can be realized on a low budget, and it effectively establishes the character’s personalities in a short amount of time. The visual direction is also excellent, and I think the “amulet” played a key role in the story.
For the special mention I chose IM PERFECTION. I found the balance between the direction and the script to be spot on, and the visual style to be excellent. With its straightforward message, this is a film that has the power to draw the viewer into the character’s emotions within the limited runtime of a short film.

I still can’t fully believe it. SSFF & ASIA has always been a place I admired from afar. Two years ago, I watched Morisaki Win san’s award ceremony video many times, thinking, “This is a dream stage.” This year, I happened to meet Morisaki-san and spoke with him about the film festival, which made it feel even more special. Receiving an award at such a stage is truly overwhelming.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the cast and crew who believed in the project and joined it. I hope to share this joy with everyone involved. I will continue working to broaden the possibilities of short films and bring them to a wider audience.
– Highlights of the work
This film unfolds in a single fixed long take, with no cuts throughout. At a time when CG and AI allow for many forms of expression, we chose to value the fundamental techniques of filmmaking. I hope audiences can feel the tension, immersion, and new possibilities unique to this fixed one-take approach. The casual conversation between the two characters and the music that colors the film are also one of the key highlights of the work.
– Filmmakers or films that have inspired me
Director Makoto Shinkai has been a major influence on me. His films feel like music in themselves; each line is beautifully crafted, and I was deeply drawn to the rhythmic and emotionally resonant dialogue. I purchased his DVDs and watched them repeatedly. Although I did not consciously try to imitate his style, I believe his work has had a subtle but significant influence on my own filmmaking.

A comment on winning the Audience Award
It feels surreal. The curation this year at Short Shorts had us all in awe. To even be included meant such a great deal. For any independent filmmaker, unlocking the trust of an audience is one of the most special achievements. This recognition feels so personal. Every single human who has worked on our film and championed it has taken a bet on us and truly done it for the sheer love of the telling stories. I am so grateful because a win for this film is a win for all of those who believed in it even when they had no reason to. This gives me the courage to continue to be unapologetic and unhinged with the stories I want to tell. This is just the beginning.
– Anything you would like to share about their film
Being able to find new homes for our film in different parts of the world is enabling us to open up the conversation around women’s autonomy over their own bodies. Till date it brings me the most joy when a woman walks up to me and tells me she recognises a version of herself in the film that she had kept at bay, unknowingly. With the experience of watching Kuchar, our hope is to provide a safe space to just exist and find a mirror for the mini you. Feel shy, caught off guard, seen or even unsettled. Form your own relationship with your itch. No one else gets to decide, but you.
– Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work
Earlier works of filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Mira Nair have left a lasting impression on me. They helped me spend a childhood with richly written women on screen. In the last decade I have really admired the work of Vikramaditya Motwane. His body of work and the stories he has championed are as diverse as they can get.

A comment on winning the Audience Award
I am truly honored that our film has won the Audience Award. As a director, there is no greater joy than knowing that this film resonated deeply with audiences, both in person and online, at the special SSFF & ASIA film festival, and that it received their strongest support. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the cast and crew who believed in this film and worked tirelessly alongside me, as well as to all the audience members who engaged with the film sincerely and connected with it on a deep level.
– Anything you would like to share about their film
Inspired by the recent shady part-time job phenomenon in Japan, this film depicts the struggles of young people who feel isolated in modern society as they search for a “source of emotional support” and strive to find salvation and hope. Despite its limited runtime of 16 minutes, we aimed to create a film that conveys the same sense of scale as a feature-length movie.
– Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work
To express the characters’ loneliness and inner conflicts through the contrast of light and shadow, I drew inspiration from a wide range of film noir works, from classic to contemporary, as well as noir-style visual techniques. In particular, the visual composition using light and shadow, such as the work by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro in Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Conformist” (1970), served as a major guiding principle in the production of this film. At the same time, we drew strong inspiration from recent Chinese noir films such as Diao Yinan’s “Black Coal, Thin Ice” (2014) and “The Wild Goose Lake” (2019), as well as Bi Gan’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” (2018), to establish the tone of this film.

A comment on winning the Audience Award
I’m incredibly honoured to have won the Audience Award at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026. Thank you so much to the audience who voted for my film, as well as the organisers who made the festival possible, it’s really touching to know that it was received well.
– Anything you would like to share about their film
It was amazing to have my parents represent our film in Japan, it was particularly special to have people so close to me having roles in the film (with my father narrating and co-producing with me, and my mother as a cultural consultant). It was the first time my dad had been back to Japan in 28 years, and was a pretty momentous occasion as my parents actually met in Japan on the subway. My dad also supported my mental health greatly at the time of the film’s conception, when I was struggling quite deeply with OCD. I’m so glad they attended our screening and was very proud of them standing on stage to talk about the film!
– Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work
As for filmmakers who have made a great impression on me, Alfonso Cuarón is one of my favourite directors, with the films Children of Men and Gravity being among my favourite films of all time. For Trading Cards I wouldn’t say there was one main work that I based the look and feel on as it was quite eclectic and drawing upon things from my love of Tarot, my childhood love of Pokémon cards, fairy tales and folk tales. I even drew upon childhood pictures of myself to directly channel this into the work, as I was crafting these personal extensions of myself in the film. I’d also like to mention Rodrigo Goulão de Sousa’s trailer Playground which was very creatively inspiring, as I wanted to build a fantastical strange world based on my own personal experiences, fears, and wonders.

We would like to express our gratitude to the audience for voting for our film. This film is for everyone who has dream and passion, and we hope all form of artistic expression will continue to inspire and heal people. Our film is still an ongoing project, and hopefully we will have a feature version of the film soon to go in more depth about the Breaking culture, share the ongoing story of our protagonist Fist6 and more characters.

Among 4,921 films, I am honored to have received the Best Actor Award for Kentucky Gaza at the largest short film festival in Asia. I dedicate this international recognition to our people in Gaza. My sincere thanks to director Omar Rammal, producer Rola Nasser, and everyone who believed in this film and contributed to bringing its story to the world.

Profile:
Yazan Nobani is a Jordanian actor, writer, and digital entertainer known for his comedic and acting-based content. His work balances entertainment with meaningful observations about daily life, social realities, and human relationships. Nobani’s content is known for its authenticity and respectful, realistic portrayal of familiar social characters, making it relatable to diverse audiences. He’s active on major digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Shinjini Raval:
I am incredibly happy & honoured to receive this award. It feels even more special as it is my very first award, and to win it jointly with Sunny at one of my favourite festivals makes it truly unforgettable. I was delighted to showcase our film at the festival and be part of such an inspiring community of storytellers. Congratulations and cheers to all the wonderful films and filmmakers who made this experience so memorable.

Sunny Hinduja:
I am truly honoured and delighted to receive this prestigious award from SSFF. Feel so so proud and happy to receive joint award with my co director, co writer, co producer and most important my real life partner my wife Shinjini. It feels like a blessing from god and telling us to keep making movies. It has also given me assurance and confidence to keep working harder and making meaningful Cinema.Thank you SSFF for giving me wings to dream bigger.

Miyabi Hori:
I am very happy to receive such a wonderful award. Thank you very much.
I am deeply grateful to the director, the staff who were involved in the production, my co-actors, and my family who always support me.
Receiving this award has given me great confidence.
I will continue working hard to become an actor who can help uplift and move people’s hearts through my performances.

Profile:
Born in 2013. Represented by Carrot.
He discovered the joy of performing after giving a speech at his kindergarten sports day. What began as a way to make memories has grown into a dream of becoming a professional actor.
Hobbies: guitar, singing, kendama.
Notable works include Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (young Taiya), Eishinkan commercial, Osaka-Kansai Expo stage appearance, and the film Yukiko a.k.a..

Yusei Ando:
I am sincerely honored to receive this wonderful award.
I would like to thank the director who taught me so many things, the staff who supported me, and all the co-actors I performed with.
Thank you very much.
I will continue to work hard to grow as an actor, never forgetting my gratitude.

Profile:
Born in 2014. Represented by G-STAR.PRO (Kabosu Division).
He entered the entertainment industry after being scouted.
He made his acting debut in the Netflix series Glass Heart, playing the protagonist’s childhood role. He has since appeared mainly in films and television dramas.

Meisa Kikuchi:
I am grateful to have been selected for the Best Actor Award.
When I first heard about the award, I couldn’t believe it, but now I am filled with happiness.
“Unknown” was my first leading role, and although I was very nervous, it is a very special film in which I learned so many things. I am truly happy to receive this award.
I sincerely thank the director, my co-actors, the staff, and everyone who watched the film.
I will continue to challenge myself with different roles and work hard to deliver performances that truly reach the hearts of the audience.

Profile:
Born in 2017. Represented by NEWS Entertainment.
Notable works include A Coffee Shop with Lots of Homework (Canva web project), MBS Suspicious Partner (young Sakiko Kazama), and BS12 June Time Machine (young Akane Inui).

-Yuya Ishii
The Tuners is a thrilling and incredibly entertaining show where piano tuners, who are usually behind the scenes, are portrayed as incredibly cool characters. It’s a suspenseful drama set against the glamorous backdrop of a piano competition. I was also drawn to the musical way of direction.
For special mention I chose Sound Guardians.
The structure, where the audience listens to the voice of the forest just like the researcher tuning into it, heightens the sense of immersion in the piece. From legends and customs to culture itself, everything seemed to resonate deep in the heart alongside that voice. The sound and visual composition are also great, highlighting the hollowness of the word “Smart Forest City.” Yet, there is no cheap or superficial critique from the artist here, instead, it is a highly refined and beautiful work.

-Kristin JI
The Tuners is a film that offers very unique behind-the-scenes stories about piano tuners at a famous piano competition with great tension, while also teaching the lesson that the top and highlighted spot can change at any time in any kind of industry.
For special mention I chose Grandma’s four color cards.
The way some scenes were shown from the grandmother’s perspective felt experimental and impressive. I was also moved by the way the card game scene was dynamically portrayed to feel like a will to live.

-Miki Mizuno
The Tuners is a film that maintains a thrilling sense of tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, while offering a glimpse into a hidden world. I also really liked the decision of the director not showing a clear ending. The image of the Japanese tuner, quietly and meticulously tuning the delicate notes while surrounded by the hectic noise of various departments preparing for the competition, is burned into my mind.
For special mention I chose Break, Free.
I was deeply moved by the interview scene with the film subject who has lived such a painful life. Seeing his emotional wounds still vividly bleeding took my breath away, and at the same time, his words about ‘moving forward’ carried a profound weight.

We are deeply honored and absolutely delighted to receive such a prestigious award.
It is especially meaningful because one of our protagonists comes from Japan and now has a chance to shine on an international stage despite his remarkable humility. This is a film about the heroes who work in the shadows — people who never seek the spotlight for themselves, but dedicate their extraordinary talent to serving great pianists and helping create moments of musical magic.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hidemi Okubo, Ortwin Moreau, and Jarek Bednarski for opening the doors to their fascinating and magical world of sound, craftsmanship, and dedication.
The same is true of filmmaking itself. Behind every film stands an incredible team of unsung heroes — from cinematographers to editors and post-production artists. Their talent, commitment, and hard work made this film possible, and I could not have done it without them.
My sincere thanks to the Jury and the Festival for this recognition. It is a tremendous honor and a wonderful encouragement to continue telling stories that celebrate those whose contributions often remain unseen, yet are essential to the beauty we experience.

-Ayaka Wada
Although With Tapes and Toasts in the Car dealt with heavy themes such as real-life suffering and incurable illness, I thought the way the story blended these elements, with characters drifting through space and moving between the worlds of imagination and reality, was particularly effective. The lighthearted color palette and character designs were striking, creating a contrast to the weighty themes.
For the special mention I chose Sulaimani. It felt very contemporary, showing the nuances among foreigners living abroad, the differences between those there for education versus those working to send money home. The rich use of color, so typical of France, is overwhelming, and while there are various perspectives on the themes of immigrants, homeland, and foreigners, the warmth of connection through the tastes and language of home was wonderful.

-Yusuke Hirota
While many works explore themes rooted in specific cultural backgrounds, I found With Tapes and Toasts in the Car to be a universally accessible story that resonates with everyone. Above all, its unique design and captivating colors leave a lasting impression. The pop art style and comical portrayal of family love blend exquisitely with the story’s metaphysical themes, creating a wonderful work that gently yet deeply touches the heart.
For the special mention I chose Saba.
This work features stunning hand-drawn animation with meticulous attention to detail, and is composed almost entirely of seamless long shots. The world with gravity reversed seems to symbolize a one-way life destined to be called to heaven someday. I was immediately drawn in by the adorable design and the flat, 2D-game-like world. It is a beautifully polished animation film.

-Tomoyuki Sugiyama
How do we accept death? With Tapes and Toasts in the Car is a work that answers this question through the lens of science as known to humanity. The protagonist ventures into space and rescues Laika the dog, and I felt that she ultimately accepted death, enveloped in the love of her family. We become atoms and continue to exist in the universe. It is a wonderful piece with multiple layers packed into a short story.
For the special mention I chose Murmuration.
The themes of the elderly in this film were moving and relevant for the world in 2026. Pete, an elderly man living in a nursing home, suddenly discovers one day that his body is beginning to transform into that of a bird. Although he is still accepted by those around him, Pete soon feels that the time has come for him to fly off and join a new flock. The portrayal of the elderly characters is also superb, and I must applaud the high standard of the puppet animation.

I feel truly honored to receive this award among so many wonderful films. After years of working quietly behind the scenes, it is incredibly rewarding to see the film being watched and appreciated. My heartfelt thanks go to my team and to the festival for this recognition.

I am truly honored to receive such a wonderful award.
And to all of the cast, crew, and everyone involved in this film, thank you so very much. I am still overwhelmed with surprise and emotion, and honestly at a loss for words. I believe that our desire to create something enjoyable and meaningful for audiences has led to this incredible result. “Tokyo Submarine” is a heartfelt story about two people living in Tokyo. I truly hope you enjoyed it. Again, thank you very much for this honor.

This is a coming-of-age road movie about two men who spend one week together. The story follows Shinkai, a man who meets someone unexpected and begins to take the first step toward changing his life. Over the course of that week, the two meet, grow closer, and eventually have to say goodbye. I hope you’ll enjoy watching how their relationship changes along the way. As adults, it’s not often that we end up living with someone we’ve just met. But I think you’ll see that these two have a reason for sharing this time together. There’s something oddly sweet about seeing these two middle-aged men squeezed into the same frame. I hope that by the end of the film, you’ll have come to love them too.

One of the biggest influences on me is the Back to the Future trilogy, directed by Robert Zemeckis and executive produced by Steven Spielberg. I watched a lot of movies as a teenager, but Back to the Future was always my favorite. I watched my VHS tapes so many times they almost wore out, and I still go back to the films today. They were the starting point of my love for movies. Wanting to be like Marty McFly was also what first inspired me to become an actor and pursue a career in entertainment.
Another filmmaker who has had a huge impact on me is Hideaki Anno, especially The End of Evangelion (Air / Magokoro wo, Kimi ni) and Ritual (Shiki-Jitsu). When I saw The End of Evangelion in theaters, I was amazed not only by the story but also by the sudden shift to live-action. Those scenes stayed with me for a long time. Later, when I watched Ritual, I was drawn to its raw, intimate atmosphere and Anno’s unique rhythm. His films have a way of making me feel like I’m right there with the characters. I can almost feel the air between them.

-Thoughts on Receiving the Award
When I won the award, it honestly didn’t feel real. On the train home after the Award Ceremony, I kept pinching my cheek to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. It definitely hurt! I’ve loved watching films ever since I was a child. I never imagined that I would become a filmmaker so soon.
It feels as if my love for cinema has finally been returned. I hope to carry this happiness with me and keep creating films, just like a backstitch that continues stitch by stitch.
– What Makes This Film Special
Science fiction is often about big ideas, such as spaceships, time machines, or large-scale adventures. Backstitch is different. The main character is an ordinary student, and the entire story takes place in a small, everyday room. One day, a mysterious button appears, and the story unfolds into a time-travel tale. I hope you enjoy this unique science fiction story.
– Works and Creators Who Have Influenced Me
I’ve always loved films and videos with clever ideas and unexpected twists. Europe Kikaku(the theater company), ARuFa(writer), and Koichi TV(YouTuber) have inspired me since I was young. Watching their work encouraged me to start making films. I believe Backstitch reflects many of the things I love about their creativity. I hope to keep making films and one day work with the people who inspired me.

I am truly honored to receive such a prestigious award.
Having the opportunity to give a speech in front of approximately 2,000 people was an unforgettable experience.
I believe that filmmaking is a collaborative art.
A screenplay begins as a story that exists only in my imagination. It becomes a film through the collaboration of producers, actors, crew members, and everyone involved.
I believe this award belongs to everyone who helped bring this film to life.
What I love most about cinema is its ability to capture genuine human emotions and expressions that can only exist in a single moment.
Sometimes the most memorable scenes are the ones you never planned, and I love letting the camera follow those unexpected performances.
I hope to continue making films that resonate with people, even in small ways.
– Highlights of the work
Destinagency follows Yuki, a man who stages chance encounters for others while no longer believing in fate himself.
Although he creates destiny for other people, he struggles to believe in his own. As he influences the lives of others, he gradually begins to question his past, his choices, and what destiny really means.
While the film has a lighthearted and whimsical premise, it explores themes of fate, human connection, and the unexpected ways people can change one another.
I hope audiences will enjoy Yuki’s journey and stay with the film until the very end.
– Filmmakers or films that have inspired me
If I had to choose one film, it would be Mr. Nobody by Belgian director Jaco Van Dormael.
I was deeply inspired not only by its beautiful cinematography, but also by the way it explores how a single choice can shape a person’s life, its unique treatment of time, and its world-building.
I also love The Brand New Testament.
The way Jaco Van Dormael seamlessly blends reality with fantasy while presenting the world from an almost godlike perspective has had a lasting influence on me.
In my own films, I hope to continue blending reality with a touch of fantasy.

I’m truly honored to receive the Tom Yoda Next Frame Award. “Not a Bad Sound” is a film about discovering a different way of seeing the world by paying attention to the everyday sounds we usually overlook. I’m deeply grateful to the cast and crew who helped bring this film to life, and to everyone who took the time to watch it This award encourages me to keep making films from my own perspective, and I hope to continue telling stories in my own way.
– What I Hope Audiences Enjoy About the Film
“Not a Bad Sound” follows a man who uses a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of the city. Through his perspective, I wanted to reveal the beauty hidden in the sounds we usually dismiss as noise. Nothing dramatic happens in the film, but I hope it offers a fresh way of experiencing everyday life. If it makes you listen a little more closely to the sounds around you after watching, I’ll be very happy.
– Films and Filmmakers That Have Influenced Me
One of the filmmakers who has influenced me the most is Wim Wenders. I was especially inspired by “Perfect Days” and the way it finds beauty in quiet, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. With “Not a Bad Sound”, I wanted to explore a similar idea by focusing on the sounds of the city that we usually tune out as noise. I hope my films encourage people to notice the small moments and quiet richness that can be found in everyday life.

Receiving the Shibuya Diversity Award is an immense honor, especially coming from Japan, a country with such a profound and inspiring history of animation. For us, diversity and inclusion mean opening our eyes and hearts to worlds that are often kept invisible or spoken about only in whispers. Children undergoing oncological treatment are often isolated by fear—both their own and that of society. This award proves that a story about bravery, vulnerability, and bald heads can break through cultural boundaries and connect us on a deeply human level. We are incredibly grateful that Tokyo embraced our message.
– Anything you would like to share about your film
What about my hair is a highly personal mission for me, as I underwent cancer treatment myself when I was 16. It is a combined animated series and an interactive app created specifically for pediatric oncology patients and their families. Our goal is to use the power of children’s imagination, gentle humor, and clever metaphors to demystify complex medical treatments, like chemotherapy. We want to transform the terrifying fear of the unknown into a manageable, visually friendly adventure, showing that even in a hospital ward, a child’s authentic world can remain full of color and hope.
– Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work
In my work, I always love to blend reality with imagination, working with tangible textures and playful collages rather than sterile digital graphics. Visually, I have always been deeply inspired by the symmetrical world, whimsical staging, and distinct color palettes of directors like Wes Anderson. At the same time, I deeply admire storytelling that respects the emotional depth and intelligence of a child’s mind without sugarcoating reality. I’ve always wanted to bring that same raw, honest, yet incredibly magical and uplifting energy into the animation style of Baldies.

Thank you Short Shorts Film Festival for honoring our film “After Us” with the “Save the Earth! Minister’s Award”. It’s an incredible honor, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I’d like to take this moment to thank the National Film Board of Canada for producing the film. I got complete creative freedom making the film with them. And I don’t think I’ll ever have that ever again. So, thank you for that. I’d like to thank everybody who worked on the movie and our friends and family who sacrificed a lot so we could work on it. Thank you all very very much. Lastly I’d like to dedicate this to my daughter, Samara Wahid. She is five and half years old. And I really hope that together we can make the planet a better place for her and her generation to grow up in. Thank you.

It is very moving for us that a story created in Europe, with North African roots and influences, can resonate with audiences all the way to Japan, especially through music and sound.

The soundtrack was central to the making of the film. We paid particular attention to its sonic world, especially through the presence of Gnawa music, which became the soul of the film for us. It allowed us to create a space where love, grief, memory, and invisible forces could coexist, guiding both the characters and the audience through an emotional journey.

Receiving this award from the listeners of J-WAVE makes it even more meaningful to us.
Thank you warmly to the festival, the jury, and the audience in Japan.

I am truly honored to receive this award, which is presented to the film that received the most views on the festival’s online grand theater. I hope this award will encourage even more people to watch Husband’s Legs at the autumn screening.
– Highlights of the work
One day, a husband’s leg suddenly begins to transform into something else. This film is neither simply a human drama, a dark fantasy, nor a suspense film. It exists somewhere between them all. As the story unfolds, I hope you’ll find yourself questioning your own ideas about love, marriage, and the values you’ve always taken for granted.
– Filmmakers or films that have inspired me
Every film I’ve watched has influenced me in some way, but I’ve been especially inspired by Yorgos Lanthimos, Park Chan-wook, and Guillermo del Toro. I love the unique worlds they create, where reality and the surreal coexist alongside humor and cruelty. Sound of Falling and SIRAT also deeply resonated with me. I’m also fascinated by films like No Other Choice, which capture the complexity of human nature. I’d love to make films that bring those two sensibilities together.