#Tokyo #SSFF & ASIA #GAIJIN #Tetsuya Bessho

Exciting Announcements from SSFF & ASIA 2025

On May 15, 2025, Tetsuya Bessho, the illustrious president of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), paid a courtesy visit to Governor Yuriko Koike at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This meeting was significant, marking the announcement of this year’s Best Short Award as part of the Cinematic Tokyo Competition. The winning film, titled "GAIJIN," directed by the talented Italian filmmaker Michele Motzo, captivated the audience with its unique storytelling and stunning visual representation of Tokyo.

This event also highlights the festival's enduring legacy as it celebrates its 27th International Competition and the 22nd Asia-Japan Competition. The festival continues to thrive under the theme of “creative active generative,” which Governor Koike praised for its power of continuity and commitment to showcasing diverse talents. She emphasized the role the festival plays in fostering emotional connections through short films and noted the increasing interest in works created through collaborations between AI and human creators.

In presenting the award for the “Cinematic Tokyo” category, Koike described "GAIJIN" as a poignant narrative that explores the lives of seven foreign residents through a celestial voice. The film receives admiration for its ability to portray Tokyo from an international perspective, showcasing the city in a manner that resonates with people beyond cultural boundaries. The visual artistry and the emotional depth of Motzo's work were highly commended. The director expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, stating he was