Organized by a group of students called Toyo Gemstone (TGS) from the Toyo University in Japan, the Toyo International Film Festival (TIFF) aims to bring its overseas partner institutions together through films.

“We believe that film may be the most dynamic medium people from different parts of the world can enjoy and appreciate.” said J Ro Lin, an organizer from TGS. “We wanted to challenge ourselves and push beyond the boundaries of only interacting with students who are present in Japan, and this is how TIFF came about.”

TIFF – not to be confused with the Toronto International Film Festival – will feature a short film competition where students, faculty members or employees of Toyo University’s partner institutions are eligible to join.

Participants will submit a five- to seven-minute-long film which is English-based on the given theme for the year – Hope.

Participants are required to create films with storylines about what ‘hope’ means in people’s lives, the world, and for humanity.

“When such emotions are portrayed in film, we believe anyone from any part of the world can empathize and be able to appreciate our shared similarities while respecting our differences,” Lin added.

Drama, fantasy, comedy, and documentaries are all accepted genres. Submissions can be made individually or in groups. Nominated films will be screened at the festival.

Criteria of evaluation includes originality, storyline, cinematography, music, message, and entertainment value of the film.

“As Hayao Miyazaki says ‘whenever someone creates something with all their heart, then that creation is given a soul.’ We are looking forward to sharing everyone’s work with their souls with the world at this year’s film festival,” Lin added.

Three winners will be determined by votes from attendees and guest judges at the event. Awards include a trophy and token of appreciation.

The deadline of submission is Dec 21, 2022, Japan time (GMT+9).

For more information, visit https://www.tiff-toyo.com/.