At the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), to be held from October 26 to November 4, 2026, we are pleased to launch two new programs under the banner TIFF-WIP (TIFF Work-in-Progress). Designed to promote the international visibility and overseas expansion of Japanese cinema, TIFF-WIP aims to bridge projects currently in production with international film festivals and industry professionals, creating opportunities for new exchanges and business ventures.
 
We are currently accepting project and film submissions for Japanese films, as well as co-productions between Japan and Asian regions (East Asia and Southeast Asia), that are presently in production or post-production. Please refer to the details and submission guidelines for each program below before submitting your application.
 
■ What is WIP / TIFF-WIP?
 
Work-in-Progress (WIP) refers to unfinished film projects that are currently in production or post-production. While TIFF screens completed works for general audiences, TIFF-WIP focuses on introducing incomplete Japanese films to industry professionals from Japan and abroad, including international festival programmers, sales agents, film distributors, and investors. Through presentations, footage screenings, and private screenings for festival personnel, TIFF-WIP creates points of contact between unfinished works and key industry stakeholders. This program aims to serve as a launchpad for directors and producers seeking international distribution, sales opportunities, and screenings at leading overseas film festivals.
 
■ TIFF-WIP Overview (Submission Categories)
 
We offer two submission categories. When applying, please review the submission guidelines for the program(s) you are interested in below.
 
Note: Applicants may apply to both categories (1 and 2).
 
1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program (Presentation Event)
Expert panel will select approximately 8 to 10 projects from among Japanese productions and Japan–Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia) co-productions that are currently in production or in the finishing stages at the time of TIFF, and present them as a public event open to pass holders of TIFF and its affiliated market, TIFFCOM.
 
For selected works, the following will be presented:
•Footage screening (approx. 10 mins)
•Presentation by the director or producer (approx. 10 mins)
•Q&A session (approx. 5 mins)
 
2) TIFF-WIP Screening Programs (Private Screenings for Festival Personnel)
With the aim of introducing selected works to international festival programmers, expert panel will select 5 to 6 films from among Japanese productions and co-productions from Japan-Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia), and hold private screenings for festival programmers invited by TIFF.
 
■ Submission Periods:
1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program: From September 2 to September 25, 2026 at 12:00 noon (JST)
2) TIFF-WIP Screening Program: From September 2 to September 18, 2026 at 12:00 noon (JST)
 
■ Submission Fee: Free of charge
 
■ Notification of Selection Results: Notifications will be sent only to selected applicants. Please note that we regret we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the results of the selection process.
1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program: by October 9, 2026 [JST].
2) TIFF-WIP Screening Program: by October 1, 2026 [JST].
 
■ Event Dates (Tentative):
1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program (Presentation Event): October 31, 2026
2) TIFF-WIP Screening Program (Private Screenings): October 28 and October 29, 2026
 
■ Venue: To be announced separately.
 
■ How to Apply: Detailed in the Submission Guidelines below.
 
■ Submission Guidelines
1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program Submission Guidelines
→ [PDF] Download (168KB)
 
2) TIFF-WIP Screening Program Submission Guidelines
→ [PDF] Download (175KB)
 
■ Contact Information
TIFF-WIP Desk: tiff-wip@tiff-jp.net