#Japan #Tokyo #UNTITLED #SSFF & ASIA #immersive lab

SSFF & ASIA 2025: A New Chapter in Short Film Festivals

The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), recognized by the Academy Awards, is set to launch an exciting immersive event titled 'untitled' during the autumn short film festival starting on October 22, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative is created in collaboration with Immersive Lab, a pioneer in experiential entertainment, and Media Engine, which specializes in short film production.

The 'untitled' event promises to blend the realms of short films and real-life experiences, allowing attendees to step inside the worlds depicted in the films. Participants will navigate the narrative as characters, engaging directly with performers and influencing the progression of the story—transforming the passive act of viewing into an exhilarating participatory experience.

Event Details

• - Dates: October 25 (Saturday) 11:00-20:00, and October 26 (Sunday) 10:00-13:00
• - Venue: Akasaka Intercity Conference the AIR, 4F, 1-8-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Theme: The exhibition will present a series of unfinished works, inviting participants to contribute creatively to the completion of these pieces while adhering to set guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to create new expressions inspired by the existing installations.
• - Organizers: Immersive Lab / Co-Organizer: Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia
• - Ticketing: Tickets can be purchased via the special website at untitled.

Innovative Features of the Event

1. Blurring Boundaries Between Film and Experience:
The event is structured to allow guests to experience the story as it unfolds rather than just viewing it. The illusion of the filmic world expands into reality, enabling participants to take part as characters in the unfolding drama, a significant departure from traditional film viewing.

2. From Passive Watching to Active Participation:
Far from merely watching the film, audiences will experience an active role where their choices affect the narrative. This innovation creates a unique level of immersion and psychological engagement, unavailable in conventional film experiences.

3. First Collaborative Effort Between a Film Festival and Immersive Entertainment:
This event marks a pioneering partnership between SSFF & ASIA, a leading international short film festival in Asia, and Immersive Lab, known for its experiential entertainment expertise. This collaboration aims to bridge the film industry with immersive events, resulting in a novel cultural experiment.

Comments from Organizers

_EcoLab's representatives:_
"We aspire to transform the conventional viewing of short films into memorable content that resonates on a deeper level. 'untitled' aims to provide an experience where you can touch, talk, and choose, transcending the boundaries of film and experience. We invite everyone to take part in this unique experiment!"
— Koike Dan, Managing Director of Immersive Lab

_SSSF & ASIA Comment:_
"Since the Lumiére Brothers showcased the 'Arrival of a Train', there has always been a mesmerizing charm in cinema. I am thrilled at the prospect of extending the film experience beyond the screen, allowing individuals to build their stories in today’s context of immersive art."
— Tetsuya Bessho, President of SSFF & ASIA

_Media Engine Statement:_
"We're excited by the potential of applying our short film production expertise in a novel format through this initiative. It’s more than just providing visuals; it’s about breathing life into the characters and worlds of short films 'untitled' extends them into reality. This evolution into participatory content promises to shape the future of entertainment."
— Keita Shirai, COO of Media Engine

Special Activities During the Festival

On October 25 and 26, the Akasaka Intercity Conference will also host booths featuring themes like NFT giveaways and short video experiences. Attendees will have the chance to win exclusive digital items featuring Sony products and branded merchandise as part of a unique campaign by Sony Block Solutions Lab.
Additionally, Newspicks will showcase their innovative business entertainment content, 'Zebras Theater,' where visitors will learn through engaging drama while watching short videos.

SSFF & ASIA 2025 Overview

• - Dates and Venues:

- Screening Venue: Akasaka Intercity Conference Green (October 22), Tokyo Photographic Art Museum Hall (October 23), LIFORK Harajuku (October 24), Akasaka Intercity Conference the AIR (October 25, 26), Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (Satellite from October 10 to 26).
- Online Venue: Online Grand Theatre (October 22 - November 10).

• - Tickets:

- Free admission to select screenings and seminars.
- One-Day Tickets (October 25, 26) priced at JPY 2,000 in advance and JPY 2,300 at the door for general audiences. Free entry for children under school age.

For the full schedule and additional details, visit the official site here.
SSFF & ASIA continues to support emerging creators and foster new cinematic cultures since its inception by Tetsuya Bessho in 1999.
For over two decades, it has celebrated short films as an integral part of global cinematic heritage, continuously innovating how stories are told and experienced.