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Entries for the 5th NIAFF Competition Now Open
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Entries for the 5th NIAFF Competition Now Open
We will begin accepting entries for the competition at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31.
As a “platform for discovering and showcasing new talent that will shape the future of the animation industry,” we are once again accepting entries from both Japan and abroad for this year’s competition.
⚫︎Competition Submission Overview
① Feature-Length (40 minutes or longer)
This competition is open to animated works of 40 minutes or longer, including end credits.
For each nominated film in the Feature Film category, one director or producer who is, in principle, able to attend the Festival from March 19 to 24, 2027, will be invited. The Festival will provide all or part of the round-trip travel expenses and accommodation during the Festival period at a hotel arranged by the Festival.
The Grand Prix-winning film will receive a cash prize of JPY 1,000,000.
②Indie Box(15 minutes or longer, but less than 40 minutes; must have a narrative)
This competition is open to narrative animated works of 15 minutes or longer and under 40 minutes, including end credits. Series episodes are also eligible.
For each nominated film in the Indie Box category, one director or producer who is, in principle, able to attend the Festival from March 19 to 24, 2027, will be invited. The Festival will provide accommodation during the Festival period at a hotel arranged by the Festival.
The winner of the Grand Prix, the “Swan Award,” will receive a cash prize of JPY 500,000.
For both Categories ① and ②, we have established the “Zengrechtstarter Award,” a Newcomer Award for emerging talent.
Submission Period: Monday, August 31, 2026, 00:00 – Friday, November 20, 2026, 24:00
How to Apply: Please review the terms and conditions on the Niigata International Animation Film Festival website (https://niigata-iaff.net/competition/entry/) and submit your entry via Film Freeway (https://filmfreeway.com/NiigataInternationalAnimationFestival).
Entry Fee: Free