#Japan #Film Festival #Shibuya #Branded Shorts #Short Shorts Film Festival

BRANDED SHORTS: A Decade of Corporate Storytelling

In 2025, BRANDED SHORTS, part of the internationally acclaimed Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), will celebrate a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary. Launched in 2016 as a category dedicated to branded content, it has consistently broken the mold of how brands communicate their stories.

As it transitions into its 11th year in 2026, BRANDED SHORTS promises to embrace an even wider array of perspectives and values through visual storytelling. This year, the festival invites creators worldwide to submit their works, furthering its mission to promote creativity and innovation in the realm of branded visual media.

The past decade has seen a transformation in the way brands engage with audiences. With the rise of digital media, consumers are increasingly seeking authentic stories that resonate with their values and experiences. BRANDED SHORTS has capitalized on this shift, allowing brands to leverage the emotional power of short films to connect with viewers in deeper, more meaningful ways.

New Categories for a New Era

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, BRANDED SHORTS is introducing several new categories designed to showcase diverse facets of visual branding. Among these are:
1. Personal Branding Award
- This category encourages individuals to share their unique journeys and brand identities, highlighting the intersection of personal and professional storytelling.
2. HR Best Short Award
- Aimed at highlighting compelling narratives from an HR and recruitment standpoint, this category seeks to illuminate effective workplace culture and employee engagement initiatives.
3. Visual Tourism Award
- This award focuses on promotional videos that showcase Japan's rich tapestry of tourism experiences, inviting entries from all 47 prefectures.

Now more than ever, companies must look beyond traditional advertising to create authentic narratives that reflect their values and engage their audiences. BRANDED SHORTS stands out as a remarkable platform that fuses creativity with commerce, demonstrating how brands can transcend promotional boundaries to share meaningful narratives.

A Year-long Celebration

The festival will accept submissions year-round for these categories, marking a shift from the traditional festival timeline. This new strategy not only cultivates a continuous interaction with creators but also encourages a steady inflow of diverse content showcasing the creative potential within corporate storytelling.

How to Participate

To participate, individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit their branded visual works that express corporate identity and values. Interested creators can find more details about submission guidelines and entry forms on the official festival website.

Beyond the Festival

BRANDED SHORTS is more than just a festival; it is a movement. As brands evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of consumer expectations, initiatives like BRANDED SHORTS push the boundaries of artistic expression in the business world.

As the festival prepares to enter a new chapter, there is great anticipation for the unique stories that will emerge from this year's submissions. BRANDED SHORTS not only provides a platform for creators to showcase their work but also fosters a community of storytellers dedicated to reimagining the corporate narrative.

Join us in celebrating a decade of innovation and creativity at BRANDED SHORTS—where every brand has a story worth telling. Let's see what unique narratives the next chapter brings!