If you’re a filmmaker with a passion for cars or a storyteller seeking to explore the multifaceted world of automotive culture, here’s your chance to shine on the international stage. The International Auto Film Festa (IAFF), Japan’s premier film festival celebrating car-themed cinema, is now calling for entries for its third edition. With its global reach and unique focus on the intersection of film and automotive artistry, the IAFF is the ultimate platform to showcase your creativity and love for cars.
A Festival Like No Other
Founded in 2023 by renowned automotive videographer Yoshiyuki Shimizu, the International Auto Film Festa has quickly established itself as the world’s only annual film festival dedicated entirely to car culture. From heartfelt narratives and adrenaline-fueled motorsport stories to visually stunning tributes to automotive design, the festival invites filmmakers from all walks of life to share their vision.
In just its second season in 2024, the IAFF attracted over 470 entries from 65 countries, demonstrating the universal allure of the automobile as a cinematic muse. Among the standout submissions was ‘Gears & Dunes: The Old Road To Dakar’, a captivating journey through the legendary Dakar rally directed by Portugal’s Mario Bock, which took home the coveted Grand Prix award.
You can immerse yourself in Mario Bock’s award-winning film and other outstanding finalists by visiting the festival’s official website at autofilmfesta.net.
How to Enter
Think your film has what it takes to captivate audiences and judges alike? Here’s how to make your mark at the 2025 International Auto Film Festa:
- Eligibility: The competition is open to anyone with a short film no longer than 15 minutes.
- Language Requirements: Films must be shot in English or Japanese, or include subtitles in either of these languages.
- Free Participation: There are no entry fees, ensuring accessibility for creators around the world.
- Submission Period: Entries will be accepted via the festival’s website from early January through February 28, 2025.
- Judging and Awards Ceremony: A panel of esteemed judges will review the submissions in March 2025, with the winners announced at a grand awards ceremony in Tokyo on April 26, 2025.
Why Enter the IAFF?
This is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of storytelling through the lens of automotive culture. The festival provides a global platform for filmmakers to connect with like-minded creatives, industry professionals, and car enthusiasts, gaining recognition for their work on an international scale.
Whether your short film is a touching human-interest piece, a high-octane action sequence, or an artistic exploration of car culture’s impact on society, the IAFF welcomes your vision.
Join the Journey
Cars have always been more than machines; they are vessels of freedom, innovation, and personal expression. The International Auto Film Festa offers you the opportunity to bring these themes to life on screen.
Visit autofilmfesta.net for detailed submission guidelines and start preparing your entry. The road to recognition begins here—don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of automotive storytelling!
