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A spectacular collaboration of legendary masters transcending the boundaries of cinema—including Charlie Kaufman and Michelle Yeoh. Shedding a vivid light on the “present” of the world through the unique medium of short film.

The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026, an Academy Award®-accredited and one of Asia’s largest international short film festivals, is thrilled to announce the final nominated works for the 6th annual “Global Spotlight Award.”

This award honors globally acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and artists who utilize the expressive medium of short film to illuminate critical challenges facing modern society, pioneer new technologies, and push creative possibilities.

This year’s selected finalists feature an unprecedentedly luxurious lineup. Among them is a legendary lost episode of Kill Bill by the cinematic maverick Quentin Tarantino, which previously shocked the world when it was released within the popular online game Fortnite. Also selected is the latest project from director Sean Baker—who swept major categories including Best Picture and Best Director at the 2025 Academy Awards—teaming up with Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Furthermore, the lineup includes a highly-discussed omnibus horror film from South Korea starring ONEW, an unshakeable icon and “Prince of K-POP” from SHINee.

The list continues with a poignant documentary exploring the behind-the-scenes of the civil rights movement, co-directed by NBA superstar Stephen Curry and Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot. Lastly, a beautifully sublimated narrative on life and death by the visionary Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine) rounds out the selection. Transcending the boundaries of film, sports, and literature, these five exquisite works truly deserve to be under the “global spotlight.”

Among the nominated finalist films, Charlie Kaufman’s How to Shoot a Ghost, Sean Baker’s Sandiwara, and Director Jong-gyun Park’s 4:44  will be available for special screenings and streaming during the festival at both the Tokyo venues and the online venue.

The final Global Spotlight Award winner will be officially revealed on Thursday, June 4th, in celebration of “Short Shorts Day.”

＜SSFF & ASIA 2026 GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD Finalist＞

■　How to Shoot a Ghost

Director: Charlie Kaufman/27:36/Drama/ 2026 / USA

Two newly dead young people meet in the streets of Athens, amid the pulsing cityscape and the ghosts of history. One a translator, the other a photographer, they were outsiders in life; in death they struggle with the residue of their longings and mistakes. They wander the city together, finding consolation in the difficult beauty of existence and its aftermath.

■ Yuki’s Revenge

Director: Quentin Tarantino/ 10:00 / 2025 / Animation / USA

Visionary director Quentin Tarantino had a dream of a Kill Bill chapter that never made it to the silver screen, a chapter known as “Yuki’s Revenge.”

■ The Baddest Speechwriter of All

Director: Stephen Curry, Ben Proudfoot/ 29:00 / 2026 /Documentary / U.S.A.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s attorney and speechwriter shares personal sacrifices and revelations from his Civil Rights Movement experience, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective of this historic era.

■  4:44: Time of Fear

Director: Jong-gyun Park/ 43:58 / 2024 / Horror / Korea

An omnibus horror where supernatural phenomena occur at 4:44.
Originally released as an OTT series consisting of eight episodes, each running 4 minutes and 4 seconds, it quickly became a hot topic. Later re-edited into a 44-minute feature film for theatrical release.

■  Sandiwara

Director: Sean Baker /10:51 / 2026 / Comedy Drama /　U.S.A.・Malaysia

Michelle Yeoh delivers a transformative performance, amid Penang’s vibrant cityscape. In collaboration with Academy Award-winning Director Sean Baker, Sandiwara delivers a bold, immersive celebration of womanhood, cultural identity, culinary heritage and the spirit of independent cinema.