Aichi Nagoya Animation Festival Opens Entries for 2026 Feature Film Competition
Skwigly
Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival (ANIAFF) has officially opened submissions for its 2026 Feature Film Competition, welcoming animated works from around the world ahead of this year’s festival taking place from November 13–18 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Positioning itself as a major new international hub for animation, ANIAFF aims to celebrate and promote animation culture and industry under its core philosophy of “Creators First.” Alongside film screenings, the festival will host networking opportunities, talks, conferences, workshops and industry-focused pitch meetings designed to connect emerging talent with established professionals from across the global animation industry.
Submission Period
May 13, 2026 (6:00 p.m. JST) – August 17, 2026 (11:59 p.m. JST)
Eligibility Requirements
- Animated films of any technique or genre are eligible
- Films must have a runtime of 40 minutes or longer
- Films must have been completed during or after January 2025
- All submissions must include English subtitles at the time of entry
- Applicants must secure all necessary screening rights, including music, character and image/video permissions
How to Submit
Applicants can submit via the official ANIAFF website or through FilmFreeway:
Competition Awards
Selected films screened during ANIAFF will compete for the following prizes:
- Grand Prix – 1,000,000 yen and a Gold Shachi trophy
- Director’s Award – 500,000 yen and a Silver Shachi trophy
- Audience Award – 200,000 yen and a Red Shachi trophy
* Shachi is a mythical creature featuring the head of a tiger and the body of a fish.
About ANIAFF
Held in Nagoya, often referred to as “the manufacturing capital of Japan,” ANIAFF aims to become one of the world’s leading animation film festivals by bringing animated works from across the globe to international audiences and industry professionals.
The festival’s ambitions extend beyond screenings, with organisers looking to establish Nagoya as a gathering point for creators, producers and studios through industry events, workshops and pitch opportunities similar in spirit to the MIFA market held during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
By fostering collaboration between industry veterans and emerging talent alike, ANIAFF hopes to play an active role in shaping the future of international animation.