The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2024 is set to commence with a grand Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, June 4, at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, Shibuya Ward, Japan. This event, marking one of Asia’s premier film festivals recognized by the Academy Awards®, promises an evening of cinematic celebration and cultural exchange.
The ceremony will feature the world premiere of the short film “Goodbye for now.” directed by Tomonobu Moriwaki from Japan. This 12-minute drama explores themes of parting and emotional resilience. Additionally, the Korean pop group Stray Kids will present their short film “Stray Kids ＜樂-STAR＞ SKZFLIX,” directed by Byeongjune Kim, offering a unique glimpse into their artistic vision. Both films highlight the diverse storytelling approaches of Asian cinema.
The festival will announce seven awards, including the newly supported U-25 project by Japan Airlines (JAL), which aims to foster young filmmaking talent by providing air tickets for international travel. Other awards to be presented include the SHIBUYA DIVERSITY AWARD, J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD, Amic Sign Award for the first digital currency prize, Global Spotlight Award, Illuminate SSFF & ASIA 2024 Movie Contest, and the best award for the Smartphone Competition.
In attendance will be notable filmmakers and cast members such as Kevin Woo, formerly of U-Kiss, who stars in “Seoul Switch,” directed by Liann Kaye, and will also appear at the Korean Short Film Program. Taiwanese actress Shu-Fang Chen and director Tami Xu will present their film “Red Envelop” in the Asia International Competition. Shiori Ito, the director of “Efe,” featured in the Non-Fiction Competition, will also grace the event. Festival president Tetsuya Bessho and Festival Ambassador LiLiCo will introduce this year’s lineup, which includes works from actors Yudai Chiba, Sota Fukushi, and Win Morisaki, who have directed short films under the WOWOW Actors Short Film project.
A special highlight of the evening is the “Creators Meetup Lounge” in the lobby of LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, where filmmakers, audiences, and industry representatives can mingle and discuss future projects. This interactive segment aims to foster new collaborations and innovations in the film industry. Popular YouTuber Cinemanshon will enhance the event by live streaming from the venue, allowing a wider audience to partake in the festivities.
Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are now available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of cinematic talents and the unveiling of new creative endeavors.