Cinematic Tokyo Competition was established in 2017. This competition category takes 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.

5 nominated films selected from the 273 submissions from 52 countries and regions around the world.

Cinematic Tokyo Competition Best Short Award 2023 / Governor of Tokyo Award

Tokyo Rain
Pieces of You

Raymond Doan / 0:21:23 / Japan / Drama / 2017

A young woman takes her guy with her to explore Tokyo. The only catch is he doesn't live in Japan and can only see Tokyo through her smart phone. Distracted by falling in Love with him, she lets down her best friend and has to figure out what to do.

Announcement of the award

Comment

It is such an amazing honor to receive this award for Pieces of You. I couldn't be happier. This film was a labor of love for me, and I am so proud of what we were able to create. I want to thank the amazing cast and crew who worked so hard on this film. We had a lot of fun together. I also want to thank the award committee for recognizing our work. This award means so much to me, and I will cherish it always.

SSFF & ASIA 2023 Award Ceremony

Anything you would like to share about your film?

Many people have asked me if Pieces of You was made specifically for the Cinematic Tokyo competition. Actually, it was not. However, the moment I first heard about the Cinematic Tokyo Competition I thought Pieces of You would be perfect for it.

Governor of Tokyo Award trophy

Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?

Growing up around San Francisco, I was always fascinated by how the city's character, atmosphere, and landmarks were portrayed in cinema. Films like Dirty Harry, So I Married an Axe Murderer, and the opening credits of Full House all captured something unique about San Francisco that I loved. These films inspired me to capture the energy, excitement, and diversity of Tokyo.

Director: Raymond Doan

Raymond studied film at San Francisco State University where he earned a degree in cinema production. His film Mai Abroad was selected to be part of the Film Finals showcase. After graduating he worked on feature films, shorts and music videos in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 2014 Raymond relocated to Japan.

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2023
Nominated films in Cinematic Tokyo Competition

  • In Paris too

    Samuel Frezoul / 0:04:35 / France / Experimental / 2022

    Are we visiting the installation of a contemporary museum or are we slowly moving towards the realization of what awaits us - the end of our world - while in the heart of denial of reality.

  • BARISAN TOKYO

    Yoshitsugu Koyanagi / 0:18:56 / Japan / Drama / 2023

    A hairdresser in Tokyo dreams of opening his own salon. After his friends turn down his offer to go to Okutama-cho, he ventures out on his own. What thoughts run through his mind as he navigates the differences between East and West Tokyo?

  • Pieces of You

    Raymond Doan / 0:21:23 / Japan / Drama / 2017

    A young woman takes her guy with her to explore Tokyo. The only catch is he doesn't live in Japan and can only see Tokyo through her smart phone. Distracted by falling in Love with him, she lets down her best friend and has to figure out what to do.

  • snow escape

    Naoto Kawashima / 0:09:42 / Japan / Drama / 2022

    January 6th 2022, it snowed in Tokyo after 4 years without it. This is a story about a man and woman soon to be complete stranger, in a snowy night of Tokyo.

  • Story To Tell

    Sayaka Nakane / 0:14:50 / Japan / Drama / 2016

    Vivi & Mimi of DFT seek out their fathers' killer. This is a fiction of their group origin story.