Posted by Setu Partiwala

Traditionally, ties between Japan and India have been firm due to the shared core values and background taught by religion. Cultural and social views imbibed by the same have only further strengthened this relationship.

Celebrating 70 years of peaceful diplomatic relations between Japan and India, the Japanese consulate from the ministry of foreign affairs invited Ms. Shoko Takegasa SSFF & ASIA (Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia) to conduct short film festivals across three cities: Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad.  

SSFF & ASIA aims to up-bring small artists and young filmmakers by providing them with a platform to display their talents. The SSFF & ASIA is an academy award qualified festival.

On the 15th of December, Ms. Shoko held an open forum seminar at AMA. She screened five short films with diverse genres ranging from anime to comedy, drama, and more, namely:

●      Kitakyushu, The City Of Movies, Directed By Katsuya Honda

●      Shabu- Shabu Spirit, Directed By Yuki Saito

●      Takano Intersection, Directed By Mizuki To

●      Tezutsu – Fire Flower Town, Directed By Tatsuya Into

●      The Voice Actress, Directed by Anna J Takayama

The films elicited laughter, tears, and smiles. The audience could be heard whooping and cheering for more. The brilliant and vivid representation won the hearts of many. The hidden elements plot left them in fascination and awe.

The forum took a glimpse into the inner workings of the production and making of short films. It paved the way for industrialists and professionals deeply involved in the field to interact, exchange years of experience, and delve further into the opportunities available to the Indian cinema, directors, producers, and the young generation to enter the Japanese film market.

Over the years, Indian films have garnered fame and made a place for themselves in the Japanese film market. The Japanese audience appreciates diverse and larger-than-life Indian films that are emotionally engaging. The song-and-dance format that is unique to Indian cinema has created intrigue, interest, and differentiation for Bollywood when compared to films from other countries or languages.

Short-form content has taken a while to come to the limelight. The pandemic caused a significant boost in the usage of Indian OTTs. Short-form content could stand out because of its authenticity and simplicity.

Short films started gaining popularity in India because they are easier to produce and have a better audience rate. It enables youngsters to facilitate active viewer participation through engaging content.

Short-form content has revolutionised the film market. However, receiving recognition and funding for short films takes much work, especially with profit-oriented investors. Finding promotion, praise, and the right platform to exhibit/ present their work can be arduous.

Actor Tetsuya Bessho, a member of the U.S. screen actor guild (SAG), founded and established the Short shorts Film Festival (SSFF) to introduce the Japanese audience to short films.

The SSFF & ASIA officially became known as the short film festival in 2001 and was recognised by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. With support from the Tokyo metropolitan government, Short Shorts and Film Festival and Asia were established in 2004, nurturing young filmmakers from the region.

Despite the problems short filmmakers face, short-form content has created new opportunities as brands, new digital platforms, and major media companies crave quality, bite-size streamable content that has proven to drive web traffic through social media.

Just as Japanese themes and culture inspire Indian directors, Japanese filmmakers are also very interested in future collaborations and find the energy of Indian movies inspiring. Co-production between Japan and India can stimulate Asia to form a highly potential entertainment market. As such, the SSFF & ASIA hopes to promote young filmmakers and support them through their festivals. The SSF & ASIA encourages young filmmakers creating content and up-and-coming actors in India to partake in the festival. There is no restriction on the genres, and aspirants can submit entrees between August and January.

It is a massive opportunity for filmmakers and up-and-coming actors in India to be featured and gain recognition for their work.