Submissions open for 2026 SCREENSHOT: Japan Documentary Film Award, through April 30.

Submissions opened on February 6 for the 2026 SCREENSHOT: Japan Documentary Film Award.

The Japan Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT: Asia are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh Japan Documentary Film Award.

Since its inception in 2016, this biennial award has served as a premier North American platform for documentary cinema that explores the complexities of Japanese life. Inspired by the observational filmmaking philosophy of Soda Kazuhiro, the award celebrates contemporary films that offer deep, nuanced explorations of Japanese culture, either from within the archipelago or its global diaspora.

We seek films that move beyond stereotypes to engage with contemporary or historical social phenomena, cultural practices, or significant events. For this milestone 10th-anniversary round, we continue to look for works that demonstrate a unique authorial voice and a commitment to insightful cinematic storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

To mark our tenth year, the 2026 award features an enhanced celebration:

--$5,000 Cash Prize: The winning filmmaker will receive a $5,000 (USD) award.

--Travel & Gala Screening: The award includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for the winner to attend the 10th Anniversary celebratory screening in Pittsburgh in September 2026.

--Engagement: The winner will engage with the University of Pittsburgh’s academic and filmmaking community through a public Q&A and anniversary reception.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.

2. Length: This award is for films 45 minutes or longer.

3.Language: Submissions may be in any language but must include English subtitles.

4. Supplementary Statement: All submissions must include a 1-page statement describing how the film promotes a deeper understanding of Japanese culture or society.

5. Attendance: To receive the cash prize and travel benefits, the winner (or a primary representative, such as the Director or Producer) must be present for the screening in Pittsburgh in September 2026.

6. Library Collection: As a condition of the award, the winner agrees to provide a copy of the film to be housed in the Hillman Library’s permanent film collection for educational and archival use.

7. Screening Rights: By submitting, you grant the University of Pittsburgh the right to screen the film for the public during the 2026 awards ceremony.

8. Promotional Materials: Submission grants the University of Pittsburgh the right to use film stills and trailer clips for promotional purposes related to the award. All artists will be credited.

The application period runs through April 30. More information and submission instructions are available via the film award's FilmFreeway page.

2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the award's conception, and there have been four previous winners:

• 2018 - Sennan Asbestos Disaster (ニッポン国VS泉南石綿村)
• 2020 - An Ant Strikes Back (アリ地獄天国) 
• 2022 - Maelstrom (マエルストロム)
• 2024 - Fists and Prayers (拳と祈り ー袴田巖の生涯ー)