Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia Announces Global Pitch Competition with ¥10 Million Prize

SSFF & ASIA Launches Global Short Drama Pitch Competition

The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), recognized as one of the leading international short film festivals in Asia and accredited by the Academy Awards®, has unveiled an exciting opportunity for creators worldwide. Officially launched on July 10, 2026, the festival introduces the "Short Drama Pitch Competition", featuring a whopping ¥10 million production prize aimed at empowering filmmakers in the Web3 era.

This innovative competition, part of the "AYET Project" that promotes global creators, is backed by the renowned Japanese General Producer Yasushi Akimoto. In his remarks, Akimoto emphasized the goal of creating an enabling environment for young talents to make their mark in the film industry. He stated, "We aim to create an environment where young talent can actively break into filmmaking."

A Platform for Innovation

The submission period for the competition runs from July 10, 2026, at 14:00 JST to August 9, 2026, at 24:00 JST, and it invites proposals for short dramas from creators across various genres and formats. Whether it's live-action, CG, animation, or virtual reality, all creative formats are accepted, encouraging the submission of 10-minute dramas that showcase innovative storytelling.

Submissions are required to be made in either English or Japanese, and the use of generative AI tools is allowed provided that it is disclosed in the application process. An entry fee of ¥5,000 is required for each submission, while applicants can submit a variety of materials, including storyboards, scripts, plot summaries, mood boards, or previous work portfolios.

Compelling Benefits for Winners

The awarded Grand Prize winner will not only receive ¥10 million in production funding to bring their vision to life but will also enjoy full support throughout the production process with professional editing guidance. There is a guaranteed buyout option as well, allowing the winner to opt for a minimum rights buyout fee of ¥1 million should they choose to step back from direct participation in the project's development.

Creators will also be credited prominently with an "Original Story/Concept by" label, and they will receive a share of the commercial profits earned from their project, making this pitch a lucrative opportunity.

To further enhance the project's integrity and traceability, each winner will also be granted a blockchain-powered "Participation Certificate" via the LIFE LOG BOX platform, ensuring a strong connection between the creator and their creation in the continuously evolving digital landscape.

How to Participate

Interested participants are encouraged to make their submissions through the dedicated form available on the LIFE LOG BOX platform. The winners will be announced on the official SSFF & ASIA festival website in December 2026, marking an exciting moment for emerging filmmakers around the globe.

In conclusion, the SSFF & ASIA's Short Drama Pitch Competition signifies a crucial step in cultivating a new wave of creative talent in the film industry, particularly within the dynamic context of the Web3 environment. By providing substantial financial backing and a supportive framework, SSFF & ASIA reaffirms its commitment to standing at the forefront of global cinema and innovation.

For more information about the submission guidelines and competition details, visit LIFE LOG BOX.