Messages

Bringing a fresh breeze from Niigata through animation.
That is the only mission of NIAFF.
Reality never exceeds the size of the dreams you draw. And dreams won't come true unless you challenge yourself.That is precisely why we are launching Japan's first grand-scale vision—the Niigata Anime Manga Valley Initiative and the Niigata Community Build Initiative—and beginning our journey toward the next 20 to 30 years.NIAFF not only holds great value in its very existence, but also guides Niigata, and by extension Japan, toward its intended direction.
Animation industry professionals from all over the world are now visiting Niigata. Now, it is Niigata’s turn. We believe that by using this festival as a springboard for young talent to leap onto the global stage, we can complete an international exchange ecosystem centered on animation: from the world to Niigata, and from Niigata back out to the world.
If the future of Niigata, where dreams become reality, becomes reality, Niigata will, for the first time, establish an irreplaceable and unshakable position as a true international city that Japan can proudly present to the world.
“All the human resources needed by the animation industry can be trained in Niigata and on the production site.”
The above message comes from the late Kenzo Horikoshi, who founded NIAFF and served as its Executive Committee Chairman until the 3rd edition. I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiment and, in tribute to Mr. Horikoshi, leave his words here at the bottom of this page.

Until the 3rd edition, I came to Niigata simply to enjoy the film festival. Starting with this 4th edition, I come to Niigata with the mission of ensuring you enjoy the film festival.
I've continued screening films at Shibuya's art house, actively introducing ambitious animated works as well. Whether it's an animation film festival or art house , the goal remains the same: to screen films and share the enjoyment with everyone.

Furthermore, it is about discovering new forms of expression and new artists and expanding them into future opportunities. Building upon the young tradition established by this festival so far, I hope to grow this slightly renewed film festival together with all of you.

I am Nashimoto, the Program Director. As a “creator” involved in film production right here in Niigata, I hold a strong conviction that we can—and must—create moments where new talent shines in a place outside the Tokyo system.

To me, Niigata International Animation Film Festival is more than just a "Film Festival" that screens finished works. I view it as a "living laboratory"—a place where young people from around the world gather for a "camp" to confront challenges, meet Asian peers, and spark a chemical reaction. It is a place where rough, untamed talent, existing outside the commercial framework, is discovered by the world. The excitement of bearing witness to that very "site of creation" is my driving force.

I sincerely hope this festival provides a setting where numerous creators and all of you can broaden your circles of dialogue and creativity, share enjoyment, and encounter new possibilities. Nothing would make me happier.

As a member of the organizing staff, I am truly delighted to welcome you all to NIAFF.

I have been working here in Niigata as an educator, helping nurture creators aspiring to enter the content industry. Now, as the representative of an animation studio, I am in a position to welcome creators. What I have strongly felt throughout this journey is that talent is cultivated through “encounters” and “environment.”

We wish for NIAFF to be a "venue for creation," where animators and audiences from around the world interact, and new forms of expression take root. I believe that understanding and inspiring one another through works of art will become the driving force for the next generation.

Even for me, film festivals once felt like somewhat intimidating places to enter. However, upon becoming involved in the operations, I found a warm atmosphere where people connected through films and words, engaging in casual conversation.

I therefore encourage all of you to join us without hesitation and enjoy the encounters and conversations. I sincerely hope this festival becomes the first step toward a new world for everyone.

My connection with the festival's founder, Kenzo Horikoshi, began with an email requesting a contribution to the catalog for the 1st Niigata International Animation Film Festival.

Over the three years of intensive exchange that followed, Mr. Horikoshi repeatedly told me that he intended to "turn Niigata into a hub for international animation through NIAFF."

Though this vision felt too grand to be realistic, after three successful editions, the activities of Niigata's government, private sector, and academia seemed to finally be coming into alignment. It felt like the shock of witnessing a "mountain move." Mr. Horikoshi passed away shortly thereafter.

I deeply resonated with Mr. Horikoshi's vision, which always maintained a perspective that transcended national borders. Seeing that the mountain had begun to move, I felt the path toward realizing Mr. Horikoshi’s vision became vividly clear to me. That is why I chose to commit myself to Niigata.

Please look forward to this first step taken by the festival under its new structure.