Call for Submissions: TIFF-WIP (TIFF Work-in-Progress) Project Applications

At the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), to be held from October 26 to November 4, 2026, we are pleased to launch two new programs under the banner TIFF-WIP (TIFF Work-in-Progress). Designed to promote the international visibility and overseas expansion of Japanese cinema, TIFF-WIP aims to bridge projects currently in production with international film festivals and industry professionals, creating opportunities for new exchanges and business ventures.

We are currently accepting project and film submissions for Japanese films, as well as co-productions between Japan and Asian regions (East Asia and Southeast Asia), that are presently in production or post-production. Please refer to the details and submission guidelines for each program below before submitting your application.

東京国際映画祭2026

What is WIP / TIFF-WIP?

Work-in-Progress (WIP) refers to unfinished film projects that are currently in production or post-production. While TIFF screens completed works for general audiences, TIFF-WIP focuses on introducing incomplete Japanese films to industry professionals from Japan and abroad, including international festival programmers, sales agents, film distributors, and investors. Through presentations, footage screenings, and private screenings for festival personnel, TIFF-WIP creates points of contact between unfinished works and key industry stakeholders. This program aims to serve as a launchpad for directors and producers seeking international distribution, sales opportunities, and screenings at leading overseas film festivals.

TIFF-WIP Overview (Submission Categories)

1) TIFF-WIP Pitch Program (Presentation Event)
Expert panel will select approximately 8 to 10 projects from among Japanese productions and Japan–Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia) co-productions that are currently in production or in the finishing stages at the time of TIFF, and present them as a public event open to pass holders of TIFF and its affiliated market, TIFFCOM.

2) TIFF-WIP Screening Programs (Private Screenings for Festival Personnel)
With the aim of introducing selected works to international festival programmers, expert panel will select 5 to 6 films from among Japanese productions and co-productions from Japan-Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia), and hold private screenings for festival programmers invited by TIFF.

For details on each program and how to apply, please visit the TIFF news page.