Short films
Programs
1- I got you
A look at different kinds of emotional support. Whether it's the comfort of a dog, the bond between sisters in tough times, magical friendships, or bakers helping others on a hotline, each film shows care for others. In hard moments, we're never really alone.
2- Through the Window
The audience will have the opportunity to to dive into the private lives of the protagonists. They will be taken to hidden corners of distant locations, from teenage struggles in Tibet to the consequences of over-tourism in Croatia, and to illegal card games in Saigon involving a 101-year-old grandmother. The films explore the internal struggle and the fight against loss, mental and emotional obstacles.
3- Before It Slips Away
Memories: from childhood recollections to the disorientation that comes with loss, the transition from remembrance to forgetfulness. As moments, places, and loved ones begin to fade, the only things that remain are memories.
5- Against the Odds
Underdog stories. A program which explore protagonists fighting personal and societal challenges. They fall, they get back up. Everyone’s just trying to find their own path.
6- Joy and Sorrow
The bittersweet taste of life. These stories dig into the sacrifices the protagonists have to make to find an emotional balance. Whether it is the result of independence, family love, friendship, or standing up for women’s rights. Even when things feel the happiest, tender moments often carry a trace of sadness.
7- Wondering Souls
From surreal wanderings to personal journeys. These films follow characters navigating uncertainty, in their quest for happiness. It’s all about the journey, not the destination
8- Love is complicated.
A program that explores the complexities of love beyond romance. The tensions, contradictions, and the evolution of relationships. It's not just hearts and flowers.
9- Into the Unknown
When reality becomes blurry, and inexplicable elements enter the picture. Supernatural events and unexpected turns await the audience in films of this program. Thrillers for those who enjoy fear and horror on film.
10- No Ordinary Women
This program brings together stories made by women filmmakers. Stories range from planetary battles and military service to the bonds of sisterhood. Films with strong female characters who know what they want and fight for it
11- Cautionary Tales
The consequences of individual and collective actions. These stories reveal how small choices can ripple out with unexpected and sometimes devastating impacts. A program designed to provoke reflection and serve as a subtle warning of what may happen when we fail to consider the implications of our behavior.
12- Where the Earth Breathes
Scenic films, where the landscape becomes part of the story. These stories explore how nature holds wisdom and memory. A reminder of our place within something greater than us.
13- Dads, often left unspoken
This program explores relationships between fathers and their children. Stories about fathers as a strong presence, flawed, sometimes awkward, yet always trying to become better, and pouring out all their love.
14- Uncomfortable Truths
Harsh truths shaped by our social, cultural, religious, and historical baggage. From nuclear tests, a god-fearing village, loneliness, and the struggles of the working class. This program explores the frightening truth that can be imposed by social systems. Nothing is more frightening than a cruel reality.
15- Our Monsters
Films that show the darkness inside us, the struggles we wrestle with, and usually keep hidden. From abuse, trauma, superstition, and fear. Surreal encounters and psychological tension, these films force us to stare down our inner monsters.
16- Cityscapes
A program that explores cities and their unique atmospheres. Stories set in the urban sprawl, car races, traffic, dance battles, isolation, and ambition intertwine.
17- Feeling lost
The need to find our place in the world. These stories follow characters seeking a sense of belonging. Whether found in art, family, nature, or friendship connections. That deep feeling of longing you can’t always name.
18- Pushed to the Edge
Films that explore moments of crisis. Facing obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, the main characters are forced to confront their fears and the realities they can no longer escape.
19- Turning Points
Life flips on small moments, and this program is packed with them. A clash, a competition, an intentional accident, moments that upend everything. For each main character, what happens next changes their life forever.
20- The Way We Live
Films that show how the places where we live, shape our existence. From community tensions, consumerism, natural disasters, and survival in faraway neighborhoods. This program explores how people live under specific conditions and what they choose to do facing these circumstances.
21- Beyond Words
Films that explore communication beyond verbal language. Through gesture, arts, food, performance, and simply being present. Stories that reveal the many ways we communicate, even when nothing is said aloud.
22- Moms
These aren’t just sentimental stories. Told from their daughters’ (and granddaughters) perspectives, these films don’t shy away from the mess, protectiveness, overwhelm, fights, and bonds that run deep. What it means to be free, love, struggle, and grow together as mother and daughter.
23- The Other Side
Ever feel like invisible forces are steering your story? Fate, ambition, change, it’s all here in this program. From a collapsing cinema to sudden bursts of fame, from folk tales to lucky encounters, these stories follow characters wobbling between destiny and their dreams.
24- Awakenings
These films catch those moments when something inside just clicks, an inner awakening. Through key encounters, coming of age, desires, and disruptions. Each story follows the main characters waking up into a new awareness of themselves.
Cinematic Tokyo Program
This competition accepts submissions from all over the world for short films showcasing the various charms of Tokyo. Productions do not have to be filmed in Tokyo, but must include themes that make one think of Tokyo, be centered on memories of Tokyo or imagine the essence of Tokyo.
U-25 Project
Launched in 2019, the U-25 Project aims to support and discover emerging filmmakers. This initiative calls for short films of five minutes or less, created by filmmakers under 25 years old who reside in Japan or hold Japanese citizenship. By offering a platform for fresh voices and innovative perspectives, we nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
Shibuya Diversity Program
Shibuya City has established a basic concept that highlights its future. The aim is to fully establish a global city by developing the concept: “Shibuya--- turning differences into strengths." Shibuya City has collaborated with SSFF & ASIA and will present an award for a short film that promotes diversity and inclusion to spread the basic concept of Shibuya. This program will screen all nominated films and the awarded film. Shibuya welcomes people from around the world to come and enjoy life, understand each other, and live together in harmony to promote turning differences into strengths for the city`s future. Let’s make Shibuya together!
Kids Program
This special program is designed for smaller kids, offering a delightful introduction to the world of short films. Centered around non-dialogue films, it is crafted to be accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults alike.
Women in Cinema Project
This special program shines a light on women-centered stories that foster a culture of care, empowerment, and inclusion. It celebrates the voices of women filmmakers who are driving change and leading the way toward greater gender equality, both on and off the screen. Women in Cinema is a program not to be missed.
Rainbow Program
This special program celebrates stories that explore LGBTQ+ lives, identities, and themes with honesty and heart. -Representation matters- and through this meaningful selection, we shine a spotlight on the diverse, vibrant colors of queer experiences and the transformative power of inclusive storytelling.
Art Program
A program dedicated to artists, creativity, and the artistic process, highlighting films that explore visual arts, design and performance.
Culinary Program : Memories of Flavor
A celebration of cinema and gastronomy, featuring films that explore memories through food, culinary traditions, and the stories behind the people who cook, create, and gather around the table.
Very Shorts Program
This special program is dedicated to short shorts (the inspiration behind our festival’s name!). Who doesn’t love quick, impactful stories told in a few minutes?
Focus on Korea Program
A special showcase of Korean short films. K-shorts brings you the rising wave of Korean cinema in short films. From beloved K-pop idols to acclaimed actors, discover a fresh side of your favorite stars through unique projects that reflect the energy, emotion, and imagination of Korea’s creative scene.
Cinematic Frontier: AI Program
Cinematic Frontier: AI Program explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and filmmaking. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for human creativity, this program examines how AI can be a tool for artistic expression, storytelling, and innovation in cinema.Through a selection of short films made with the assistance of AI, Cinematic Frontier encourages discussion, curiosity, and reflection on AI-generated projects while respecting the artistry and vision of traditional filmmaking.
TOKYO STORIES
Bringing a TOKYO perspective to a world overflowing with AI creation.Diverse talents in TOKYO will harness generative AI to create original short films.Our goal: to bring a fresh breeze to the world of AI creativity.
Sponsors
Web3.0
Partner
Event
Partner
Creative Partner
Media Partners
Media Supporters
Festival Supporter
Venue Supporter
