On May 28, 2025, the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2025 officially launched its 27th edition with a dazzling red carpet and opening ceremony at Takanawa Gateway City, one of Tokyo’s newest urban developments. As Asia’s largest international short film festival accredited by the U.S. Academy Awards®, the event continues to set the stage for global creativity and storytelling.

This year’s theme, “creative active generative,” reflects the festival’s commitment to merging technology and storytelling. From generative AI to experimental narratives, SSFF & ASIA is exploring how emerging digital tools can enhance and redefine cinematic art.

A Star-Studded Opening

The red carpet glittered with celebrity appearances, including Shigeaki Kato, Nanase Nishino, Kanata Hongo, Mizuki Yoshida, Yu Kashii, Takumi Nishigaki, and Ten Yamasaki, adding excitement to the ceremony and drawing cheers from the audience. Special screenings by TOHO’s GEMSTONE Creative Label brought directors and actors onstage to share behind-the-scenes stories, particularly from short films like Influencer Ghost, Sonic Beat, and A City Without Faces.

Actor Nanase Nishino, who starred in Influencer Ghost, spoke about the creative connection she felt with director Masaki Nishiyama, bonding over their mutual love of horror games. Actor Kanata Hongo praised Nishiyama’s surprising clarity and direction, while Ten Yamasaki and Takumi Nishigaki shared their emotional reactions to their first experiences with short film production.

Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration

The opening ceremony also recognized several industry figures for their contributions. Renowned director Naomi Kawase was the first recipient of the Takanawa Gateway City Award, honoring her enduring influence on cinema and her vision for the future. Meanwhile, MIRRORLIAR FILMS Season 7 received the Special Contribution Award for promoting film as a tool for regional revitalization and youth empowerment. The anthology featured a mix of genres and themes from creators like Koji Kato, Kazuki Sari, and Narushi Takeda.

Musician Sekaikan Ozaki and director Yugo Sakamoto were honored with the Japan Spotlight Award for their short film Strange Voices, which originated as a bonus track on CreepHyp’s latest album. Their collaboration highlights how short films can blend seamlessly with other creative mediums.

Showcasing Global Talent

SSFF & ASIA 2025 received 4,592 submissions from 108 countries, narrowing it down to approximately 250 short films to be screened at various venues and online via the Grand Theater platform. The J-WAVE Sound of Cinema Award went to Atom & Void by Portuguese filmmaker Gonçalo Almeida, praised for its originality and atmospheric storytelling.

The festival spans multiple venues in Tokyo:

• Takanawa Gateway City (May 29 – June 1)
• Akasaka Intercity Conference (June 3 – 4)
• WITH HARAJUKU & LIFORK HARAJUKU (June 6 – 10)
• Award Ceremony at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (June 11)

An online program is also available through the Online Grand Theater, accessible worldwide, with tickets priced at $15 for international users.

Vision for the Future

Festival President Tetsuya Bessho closed the ceremony with an inspiring message: “Short films are the first step for many directors. I hope this platform nurtures future filmmakers and continues to grow as a space of global creativity.”

With a lineup that embraces innovation, youth, and cross-industry collaboration, SSFF & ASIA 2025 is not just a film festival—it’s a vibrant ecosystem of ideas where creators and audiences connect in powerful and imaginative ways.

For more information:

Tickets: Online Grand Theater

Official Website: shortshorts.org/2025

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