The Best Film Festivals in Asia

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When you envision the world’s film festivals, your mind may jump to cities like Berlin, Toronto and Venice. But did you know that some of the best events are in Asia? From Dubai to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, you can explore various options in many Asian countries.

Here’s a look at the best film festivals in Asia.

1. Busan International Film Festival

Located in Busan, South Korea, the Busan International Film Festival started in 1996. The event aims to showcase new and up-and-coming filmmakers, so you may be able to enter this one more easily than others. It happens each year in early October and accepts features, shorts, animation and documentaries.

Submission fee: Free

2. Hong Kong International Film Festival

The Hong Kong International Film Festival takes place in early April. Since it was founded in 1976, creatives have entered features, shorts and numerous other film types into the festival over the years. It’s an Oscar-qualifying festival, as well.

Submission fee: $40-$80

3. Japan Indies Film Festival

This festival takes place in Tokyo. The Japan Indies Film Festival has existed for only four years but features many notable jury members from around the globe. Whether you have a feature, short, documentary, music video or virtual reality concept, you can enter.

If you’re specifically interested in film festivals in East Asia, you can’t go wrong with this pick. It’s the perfect place to showcase your first independent film, and it’s a sister festival to Raindance. Note that only English and Japanese language projects are accepted.

Submission fee: $19-$58

4. Sundance Film Festival: Asia

Almost everyone knows about the Sundance Film Festival, which has given numerous awards over the years, including to prominent British stars like James Nesbitt. The organization’s inaugural Asian event, Sundance Film Festival: Asia, will be set in Jakarta, Indonesia, in late summer 2021. 

Its goal is to highlight and promote independent Asian filmmakers. The festival will likely move to other Asian cities in the future, but Jakarta will be the event’s first location. Sundance already has festivals in other global cities, so Asia makes perfect sense for the next spot.

Submission fee: TBA

5. Shanghai International Film Festival

The Shanghai International Film Festival is one of the largest such events in Asia. It takes place in early June and features various categories to honor actors, directors, screenwriters and more. It accepts features, shorts, animation and documentaries.

Submission fee: Free

6. Bali International Film Festival

Established in 2007, the Bali International Film Festival showcases talent from around the world. It’s the largest and oldest one in Indonesia — and one of the best film festivals in South Asia. Here, you can submit your feature, short or documentary film for the September event. 

There are workshops available for beginner filmmakers, too. If you make movies for younger audiences, you should check out the organization’s Children’s Film Program. Plus, you can hear from top filmmakers in the industry at the BalinaleX Industry Forum.

Submission fee: $24-$60

7. All Asian Independent Film Festival

The All Asian Independent Film Festival is a brand new event that started in 2020 in Manila, Philippines. Keep in mind that while you can submit a film in any language, you must include English subtitles with your project.

Dates for the 2021 event have yet to be announced.

Submission fee: $20-$90

8. Okinawa International Film Festival

Set on the Japanese island of Okinawa, the Okinawa International Film Festival was founded in 2009 and mainly focuses on comedy. It’s held every year during a weekend in April. There are two main categories: Laugh and Peace.

Submission fee: Free

9. Mumbai Film Festival

Held in Mumbai, India, every year, the Mumbai Film Festival is open to filmmakers worldwide. It has numerous categories, so you should be able to find a perfect one for your film, whether that’s a feature or short. English subtitles are required for all entries.

Submission fee: $69-$95

10. International Thai Film Festival

Founded only four years ago, the International Thai Film Festival is a top event in Asia. It happens in mid-September and accepts various projects, including features, shorts, animation and more. The gala awards event is located in Bangkok, Thailand.

Submission fee: $12-$95

Enter Your Film Into These Top Asian Film Festivals

There’s a lot to love about international film festivals. They provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your film to a new audience. Plus, you have the chance to make connections with professionals from the industry. These events offer unique ways for creators to jumpstart their careers.

Keep in mind that the film festivals listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous Asian countries offer them, so you have more options available to you than you think. Check out the ones noted here so you can enter some of the best indie film festivals in Asia. 

source: https://raindance.org/the-best-film-festivals-in-asia/