Niigata International Animation Festival 2027: Free Global Films, ¥1m Top Prize, Nov 20
Japan's fifth Niigata International Animation Film Festival invites animated film submissions worldwide, without an application fee. Applications run from August 31 to November 20, 2026, at 24:00 Japan time, and the festival takes place March 19–24, 2027. Eligible films must have been completed from January 1, 2025 onwards. A Japanese premiere is not required. Generative AI creation is permitted provided that the film does not infringe others' copyright or likeness rights.
Eligibility and qualifying work
The Feature Film Competition accepts animation running 40 minutes or longer including credits and awards a ¥1,000,000 grand prize. The Indie Box Competition is specifically for narrative animation at least 15 and under 40 minutes, including eligible episodes of animated series; the Swan grand prize is ¥500,000. One nominated feature-film director or producer receives supported travel and hotel accommodation, while the Indie Box nominee support covers a hotel stay, not necessarily international transport.
Application and deadline
Submit via the organiser's FilmFreeway link with complete film and filmmaker information. Films not in Japanese or English must carry English subtitles at entry. Japanese-language submissions need English subtitles after passing initial selection. Entrants must own or license film, character, music and image rights and grant the required festival screening permissions. Previously screened films may apply; the organiser does not require a Japanese premiere. Check the current 2027 competition rules for technical deliverables.
Costs, awards and important cautions
This is an independently edited translation of an external call. Before applying or paying, verify the latest eligibility, fees, deadlines, copyright and submission requirements with the organiser. The official terms take precedence.
Official information / 主催者の公式募集要項: https://niigata-iaff.net/en/competition/entry/