As we previously announced, the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is planning to hold the 39th edition from October 26 through November 4 in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area.
 
TIFF is now open for film submissions from April 7 through July 7, 2026 via the festival website. As one of the leading film festivals in Asia, TIFF showcases premieres of films created by established filmmakers as well as outstanding works by up-and-coming directors from around the world, in a variety of sections.
 
In our main Competition, we continue to accept submissions from around the globe for films that have not yet been released in Japan (Japanese Premiere), including documentary and animation features.
 
As in previous years, the Asian Future section will highlight films by emerging Asian directors, including those from Japan and the Middle East, who have directed no more than three feature-length films.
 
Details on the festival’s other sections will be announced at a later date.
 
With our mission, “To amplify the possibilities of cinema from Tokyo and contribute to interactions with a diverse world,” we look forward to receiving diverse film submissions from all corners of the globe, assuring that the festival is enjoyable and meaningful for audiences and filmmakers.
 
Start your submission from here
→ Regulations for Competition 2026
 

38th TIFF Tokyo Grand Prix Winner: Palestine 36 (Directed by Annemarie Jacir)
©2025 TIFF

 

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Submission Outline for the 39th TIFF
 
Competitive Sections and Awards
1. International Competition Section
The main Competition section is the core of the festival and aims to support promising filmmakers who will play leading roles in the industry, as well as contribute to the enrichment of cinematic artistry and international cultural exchange. Films from around the globe that have not yet been released in Japan compete for the top prize, the Tokyo Grand Prix. Features completed after January 1, 2026 are eligible for selection by TIFF, and undergo a rigid review process. During the event, invited guests who are involved in the films will appear onstage for Q&A sessions after the screenings to enhance interactions with the audience. Last year, 1,970 films were submitted from 108 countries and regions.
 
Awards
-Tokyo Grand Prix
-Special Jury Prize
-Award for Best Director
-Award for Best Actress
-Award for Best Actor
-Award for Best Artistic Contribution
-Audience Award
 
2. Asian Future Section
A competitive section for Asian films, including Japan and the Middle East, this introduces the first, second or third features of Asia’s up-and-coming directors.
 
Award
– Asian Future Best Film Award
 
Submission periods & fees
Early Bird: April  7 – May 26: 3,300 JPY
Regular:    May 27 – July  7: 5,500 JPY
 
Submission deadline: July 7 Noon JST, 2026 (Early Bird deadline: May 26, 2026)
 
Please see the regulations:
www.tiff-jp.net/entry/competition2026/index_en