The Nara International Film Festival (Japan) is accepting films until April 27, 2026.

About the festival:
The Nara International Film Festival is a biennial film festival located in one of the most historically rich cities of Japan, Nara. Since its founding year of 2010, the festival has celebrated emerging filmmakers with the Cannes winning filmmaker Naomi Kawase as an executive director. The festival has presented two film competitions: NARAtive International Competition and NARA-wave Student Film Competition (limited to student films).

Sections:
– International Competition
– Student Competition Nara Wave (for student films)

Eligibility:
– For the International Competition the festival accepts only director’s 1st or 2nd feature films (over 70 minutes).
– For the Student Competition productions must be an original video work by a student. (Completed in January 2024 or later, when either the director or main filmmaker was a student). There are no age restrictions. Both features and shorts can be applied to this section.
– There is no restriction on the subject and/or genre of the film.
– Films must have been produced after September 1, 2024.
– Films must be Japan Premiere.
– Non-Japanese films should be English subtitled if the dialogue is not in English.
– Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
– Submission Fees and Deadlines:

– Notification Date: July 31, 2026

We recommend filmmakers to read the full Rules and Regulations here: https://filmfreeway.com/NaraInternationalFilmFestival (This is also the submission link)

We remind readers that the Nara International Film Festival will take place from September 20 – 23, 2026 in Nara, Japan.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.