Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab is calling out for short film pitches from around the world with the aim of discovering and supporting new filmmakers. We will award 10 million yen* to make your short film and after completion, we will submit it to film festivals in Japan and abroad.
We are calling for submissions from a wide range of creators, including not only filmmakers but also artists with ideas and also screenwriters. The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia is scheduled to be held in June of 2025 and is recognized by the Academy Awards. It is one of the largest international short film festivals in Asia. We will announce the winning pitch at SSFF & ASIA 2025.
Kodansha's purpose is to "Inspire Impossible Stories." We are looking for submissions from visual creators who want like to work with us to create impossible stories that go beyond imagination, that will inspire the world and the hearts of others!
Individuals, companies & corporations, and organizations can submit. We welcome submissions from not only directors but also producers, animators, CG creators, and production companies. Pitches in which a submitting actor himself appears in the film are also OK.
Please apply using the Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab submission form below.
Submission Period: Thursday, August 1, 2024. 14:00 (JST) to Saturday, November 30, 2024. 23:59 (JST)
*Multiple submissions are allowed in which case, please submit each project separately.
*For data that exceeds capacity, please provide the URL for downloading (preferably with an unlimited access please).
*MP4 is the preferred format.
■ Fill out the submissions form.
■ Please submit your pitch and CV/résumé (please combine your proposal and CV/résumé into one file).
■ Please provide the information below regarding your pitch. (The short film must be no longer than 25 minutes including opening & ending credits).
All of the above formats are free
*A This will be used as a reference during the selection process (it is not a required item).
*B Requested information on your CV/Résumé
Career history and portfolio of past work (including samples of any films, viewing links, etc.)
■ Films that can be commonly enjoyed around the world are desirable.
■ Any format or genres including live-action, CG, animation, and others are acceptable.
■ Unreleased films (sequels are OK).
■ Basically, we would like to produce original works, but projects using Kodansha novels and manga are also accepted
*Applicants should not contact the copyright holder or the editorial department at the time of application, as Kodansha will contact the copyright holder regarding permission during the final selection process.
Additionally, please refrain from posting content that infringes on third party intellectual property rights such as copyrights, honor rights, privacy rights, or any other rights.
■ Applicants whose projects have passed the first screening will be notified of the results by the end of January 2025 (The results will also be announced on the Kodansha Cinema Creators Lab special page on the SHORTSHORTS official website).
Those who pass the first screening will be individually informed about the second stage interview.
If your pitch is selected by Kodansha Cinema Creators’ Lab as the award-winning project, you will be required to enter into a contract with Kodansha (hereinafter referred to as the "Contract").
■Until this agreement is concluded in writing, no rights or obligations will arise between the submitter and Kodansha regarding this selection. Furthermore, all legal relations between the submitter and Kodansha after the conclusion of this agreement shall be in accordance with the terms of this contract.
■We will thoroughly cover the contents of this contract during the interview and before signing, and only after your consent will we sign the contract. Please be assured that application does not constitute acceptance of this contract.