If you haven’t been to Japan yet, you are missing out. There are 7 reasons to submit to JIFF.
The JIFF Japan Indies Film Festival is a truly independent international film festival supporting young talent from around the world.
Creating dreams and hope through cinema is the JIFF vision. Returning Japan to the glory days of cinema for young filmmakers and independent artists the goal of the official Japan Indies Film Festival.
7 reasons to submit to JIFF
1. Truly Independent
JIFF is now in its 4th year as Japan’s true indies film festival. It was started as an alternative to the state-funded Japanese film festivals which cater solely to the establishment. These festivals are impossible for emerging filmmakers to participate in. Not true of JIFF.
2. Talent-based, not politically based
No one (in Japan) realises how important a festival screening is than the JIFF team.
Because all other Japanese film festivals accept public money they focus on famous people coming to their festivals. The filmmakers take a back seat. This means that Japan has a dearth of world-class and internationally respected festivals. And emerging filmmaker are left out in the cold.
3. Truly Independent
JIFF does not accept any government grants. JIFF does not bow to any pressure from the establishment, probably the same as when you make your film.
4. Join the community
5. Small is beautiful.
6. International and diverse jury
7. JIFF films secure Japanese distribution
- “One Cut of the Dead” played at JIFF and has grossed over $3 billion yen in Japan and $30.5 million dollars worldwide!
- “The Receptionist” screened in ten Japanese cities.
- “Hitokuzu” (known as Kanemasa worldwide) World Premiered at JIFF!
Will your film be next?
Check out our website and consider a Japanese independent film festival premiere.
Ask a question: Reasons to Submit to Japan Indies Film Festival
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Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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