#Japan #Shibuya #Yusuke Yoshida #CCCL Film Festival

Short Film 'The Ice Age Sauna'

The short film 'The Ice Age Sauna', written and directed by Yusuke Yoshida, recently received high praise by winning the prestigious Grand Jury Prize in the Non-documentary category at the CCCL Film Festival 2026 held in Bangkok, Thailand. This festival, known as Changing Climate Changing Lives, showcases films that address the pressing issues of climate change through powerful storytelling.

According to the official announcement from the CCCL Film Festival, over 63 films were screened during the 2026 edition, which ran from June 12 to 21 at the Jim Thompson Art Center and Lido Connect. The festival's agenda also included workshops, short film funding pitches, and discussions led by filmmakers to delve into the climate crisis from various perspectives. Out of more than 800 submissions, this year's nine awarding films demonstrated exceptional creativity and vision, making 'The Ice Age Sauna' a noteworthy recipient among participants.

About CCCL Film Festival

Founded in 2019, the CCCL Film Festival aims to enhance awareness of climate change through the artistry of short films. Described as Southeast Asia's first festival focused specifically on climate change, it highlights human stories related to the impacts, resilience, inspiration, and innovation surrounding this critical issue.

Award Recognition

The Grand Jury Prize awarded to 'The Ice Age Sauna' signifies the highest recognition in the Non-documentary category. The 2026 jury comprised noted individuals in the film industry, including Thai director Patiparn Boontarig, American filmmaker Lydia Dean Pilcher, and executive director of the Green World Foundation, Poramin Watnakornbancha. Their critique, as outlined in the official announcement, acknowledged the film's significant contributions to storytelling surrounding climate narratives, reinforcing its impactful nature.

Synopsis of 'The Ice Age Sauna'

Set in the year 2180 during a new Ice Age, 'The Ice Age Sauna' portrays a dystopian world affected by extreme climate changes. The film centers around the simple yet profound dialogues that emerge through sauna experiences, illuminating the warmth inherent in human interactions. Filmed in Hokkaido, Japan, the short spans 12 minutes and 45 seconds and was finalized in September 2023, with Yoshida overseeing all major creative aspects—including direction, writing, and filming.

Yusuke Yoshida commented on the inspiration behind the film, expressing, "This project was born out of my experience engaging with locals in a foreign land through casual conversations in a sauna. I wanted to encapsulate the warmth of humanity that I felt in those moments, and I am truly honored that people from different cultures have appreciated this work, awarding us such a remarkable accolade."

Project Details

Title: The Ice Age Sauna
Director/Writer/Filmmaker: Yusuke Yoshida
Producers: Yusuke Yoshida, Hayato Sone, Shoki Tanizawa
Cast: Tetsuya Tamada, Hazuki Nanbu, Tomokazu Yashida
Filming Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Completion: September 2023
Duration: 12 minutes and 45 seconds
Sponsorship: Fireside Inc.

Award Summary

Festival Name: Changing Climate Changing Lives Film Festival 2026
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Event Dates: June 12 - 21, 2026
Venues: Jim Thompson Art Center, Lido Connect
Award Category: Non-documentary
Award Name: Grand Jury Prize
Awarded Film: THE ICE AGE SAUNA (氷河期サウナ)
Director: Yusuke Yoshida
Prize Money: 50,000 Thai Baht

About Alama Co., Ltd.

Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Alama Co., Ltd. is a film production company specializing in the planning and production of TV commercials, web films, music videos, and dramas. Founded in April 2013, and led by representative Tomohiro Kaji, the company remains committed to delivering engaging and innovative visual content for various media platforms.