Osaka Asian Film Festival

Overview

The Osaka Asian Film Festival is western Japan's most important Asian film festival. Founded in 2006 and held annually in March in Osaka -- Japan's second-largest city and its food and culture capital -- the festival presents competitive Asian cinema with a focus on discovering emerging filmmakers and celebrating the extraordinary diversity of Asian film cultures.

Osaka's identity as the most gregarious and humor-loving of Japan's major cities, famous for its food obsession (the concept of kuidaore -- eating until you drop -- is quintessentially Osakan), its merchant culture, and its down-to-earth character creates a festival audience that is enthusiastic and engaged without the formality of Tokyo.

The festival's Asian focus -- covering cinema from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia -- makes it one of the most comprehensive platforms for Asian film in Japan.

Key Sections

• Competition -- Asian films competing for the Grand Prix
• Japanese Cinema Splash -- new Japanese independent features
• Asian Film Collection -- curated Asian cinema beyond competition
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Program -- Asian short films

What Filmmakers Should Know

The festival accepts open submissions. For Asian filmmakers broadly, Osaka provides access to Japan's large cinema market through a festival that is more approachable than the Tokyo International Film Festival. For Japanese independent filmmakers, the competition provides important domestic exposure.

Major Awards

• Grand Prix -- Best Asian Film
• Special Jury Prize
• Audience Award

Festival History

Osaka Asian Film Festival was founded in 2006 and has grown into western Japan's most important Asian cinema platform.

See Also

For Japanese cinema, see International Film Markets. For Tokyo TIFF, see Tokyo International Film Festival.