News & Reports

Sapporo Short Fest 2025 Kicks Off — Celebrating 20 Years with a Special SSFF & ASIA Selection

Starting today, the Sapporo International Short Film Festival (SAPPORO Short Fest 2025) officially began its three-day run (October 11–13).

Bringing together outstanding short films from Japan and around the world, the festival opened its first program at 11:00 a.m. at the Sapporo cinema Satsugeki, featuring the “SSFF & ASIA Special Selection.”

This program celebrates the shared history between two festivals: the American Short Shorts Film Festival—held in Hokkaido since 2000 and now known as Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA)—and the Sapporo International Short Film Festival, which has continued its evolution since 2006. In honor of Sapporo’s 20th anniversary, award-winning and audience-favorite works from both festivals were screened, with directors and guests traveling from overseas to attend.

Before the screenings, Mr. Toshiya Kubo, founder of the Sapporo International Short Film Festival, took the stage to introduce six guest directors who had gathered from around the world.

Next, Seigo Tono, Executive Director of SSFF & ASIA, greeted the audience after arriving from Tokyo. He expressed gratitude to the Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 initiative for making the collaboration possible, and extended thanks to Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel for supporting the filmmakers’ stay.

🎬 Films and Directors Introduced

“D.I.Y.” — Directed by Royston Tan (Singapore)

An experimental film envisioning a “human symphony” created through the unconscious sounds people make in everyday life.

Tan remarked, “Watching one of my early works again after twenty years feels like traveling in a time machine,” receiving warm applause from the audience.

“My Friend Nietzsche” — Directed by Fauston da Silva (Brazil)

A coming-of-age story of a boy named Lucas who discovers a book by Nietzsche and begins to change himself.

The director commented, “This film expresses the importance of education.”

“9 Million Colors” — Directed by Bára Anna (Czech Republic)

An animated fantasy set in the ocean, depicting a clawed shrimp named Fran and a blind fish named Milba as they attempt to understand each other’s worlds.

Although Bára Anna could not attend today’s screening, she is scheduled to appear for the encore showing on Monday, October 13, at 3:00 p.m.

“Safe” — Directed by Byoung-Gon Moon (Korea)

The story of a female college student working in an illegal gambling exchange, struggling to escape the suffocating confines of her job.

Moon shared, “It’s been twelve years since I made this film, and I’ve rarely watched it since. I was a rather negative person back then, but I’ve grown into someone much more positive.” His comment drew laughter and applause from the audience.

“We Keep On Dancing” — Directed by Jessica Barclay Lawton (Australia)

A tender drama about a couple whose lives take an unexpected turn when their beloved Volkswagen Beetle begins to smoke.

Producer Lewis Mitchell greeted the audience in simple Japanese, earning a big round of applause.

“Double or Nothing” — Directed by Tokay (Switzerland)

A stop-motion animation set in 1980s bubble-era Japan, portraying a real-estate mogul, Akio Kashiwagi, and the surreal world surrounding him.

Tokay explained, “This was my graduation project, and I wanted to capture the atmosphere of Japan during that era.”

“Blitzmusik” — Directed by Martin Amiot (Canada)

A powerful and poetic drama in which two lieutenants meet on a battlefield inside a ruined music academy, where gunfire and gas grenades gradually transform into a haunting duet.

Amiot said, “I was honored to receive the Grand Prix at last year’s Sapporo Short Fest. The central theme of this film is peace, and I hope you will all take that message to heart.”

Director Bára Anna, who could not attend today’s screening, will appear at the encore program on Monday, October 13 at 3:00 p.m., joining the six other international filmmakers for a rare and valuable opportunity to hear their reflections in person.

Brimming with diverse cultures, storytelling styles, and artistic visions, this program once again reaffirms the boundless power and creative potential of short films.

👉 For detailed film information and screening schedule, visit:

https://sapporoshortfest.jp/25/programmes/ssffasia/