KARATSU INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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THEATER ENYA

2025.07.08-13

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About

Where Tradition Meets Cinema: Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers

Our mission is to introduce a diverse selection of exceptional films from around the globe to audiences in Japan—regardless of budget or the renown of their creators—while celebrating the boundless potential of visual storytelling. We are dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers, fostering meaningful connections among festival participants, and contributing to the growth of a dynamic cinematic culture. Through the Karatsu International Film Festival, we also aim to highlight Karatsu’s rich cultural heritage and appeal as a travel destination, playing a vital role in the revitalization of the local community.

Pin d’Oré Award
Prize Money
¥200,000

Best Feature Film
Prize Money
¥100,000
Best Medium-Length Film
Prize Money
¥100,000
Best Short Film
Prize Money
¥100,000
Best Documentary
Prize Money
¥100,000

Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Lead Actor
Best Screenplay
Audience Award
Best Supporting Actor
Best Emerging Director※1
Karatsu Location Award※2
Theater Enya Award※3
Filmination Award※4

※1 Eligibility for Best Emerging Director: Limited to directors presenting their first or second feature-length film.
※2 Karatsu Location Award: Presented to outstanding films that feature Karatsu as one of their shooting locations.
※3 Filmination Award Benefits: Includes a scholarship of ¥3,000,000 to support the director’s next project, location scouting in Karatsu, and assistance from the local film commission (e.g., recruiting extras).
※4 Theater Enya Award Eligibility: Limited to Japanese films. Includes support for international distribution, such as English translation, creation of subtitle files (SRT format), and submission assistance for platforms like Amazon US.

Ambassador

Sho Miyake

Born in 1984 in Hokkaido, Japan. A graduate of the Fiction Course at the Film School of Tokyo and the Faculty of Sociology at Hitotsubashi University. His 2012 film Playback was selected for the International Competition at the Locarno International Film Festival and won the Grand Prix for Emerging Directors at the Takasaki Film Festival. His 2018 film And Your Bird Can Sing (Kimi no Tori wa Utaeru) was screened in the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival. In 2022, Small, Slow but Steady (Keiko Me o Sumasete) was selected for the Encounters section at the same festival, and in 2024, All the Long Nights (Yoake no Subete) was featured in the Forum section. The latter received numerous accolades, including the Kinema Junpo Best Ten Award for Best Japanese Film, the Mainichi Film Awards Grand Prize for Japanese Film, the Akira Kurosawa Award, and the New Artist Award from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. His latest film, Tabi to Hibi (Tabi to Hibi, official English title not confirmed), is scheduled for nationwide release in November 2025.
Special Guest

Yukino Kishii

Born in 1992 in Kanagawa Prefecture. Made her acting debut in a TV drama in 2009. Her first leading role in a film was in My Grandpa's Gone and Died (Ojiichan, Shinjattatte.), for which she won Best New Actress at the 39th Yokohama Film Festival. In Just Only Love (Ai ga Nanda), she received the Best Emerging Actress Award at the 11th TAMA Film Awards and the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize. Her performance in Small, Slow but Steady (Keiko Me o Sumasete) earned her the Best Leading Actress Award at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize and the Best Actress Award at the 77th Mainichi Film Awards, among others. Other notable works include the NHK dramas Koisenu Futari (Koisenu Futari) and Owakare Hospital (Owakare Hospital), the film Young Strangers (Wakaki Mishiranu Monotachi), and the NTV drama Love is Darkness (Koi wa Yami).

Hirotaka Asano

Born in 1949. President of T-artist, a talent agency and film production/distribution company. As a film producer, he has worked on numerous titles including Heaven’s Story, In the Fog of Moruerani (Moruerani no Kiri no Naka), Red Snow, The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine (Kiku to Guillotine), 64: Part I & II (64: Rokuyon Zenpen/Kohen), Evening with My Friend (Yūgata no Otomodachi), Hotel Iris, TOCKA, and The Other Side of Me (Watashi no Naka no Kanojo).
Nahana

She made her full-fledged acting debut in 2005, starring in the film "YUMENO." She has appeared in numerous acclaimed works, including Sion Sono's "Into a Dream" (2005), Izuru Narushima's "Kotoko's Scalpel," Takahisa Zeze's "Heaven's Story" (2010) and "64: Part I & II" (2016), and Sachi Hamano's "Yuriko, Dasvidaniya." She won the Best Actress Award at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival for Haruhi Oguri's "Donzomari Benki" (2012) and the Best Actor Award at the 14th Los Angeles Japan Film Festival for Sayaka Kai's "Red Snow" (2020). She continues to work energetically, starring in recent films such as "Evening Friends," "She In Me," and "TOCKA," and appearing in "Yukigake no Sora" and "Fumiko Kaneko."
Shogen

Born in 1978 in Okinawa. Made his film debut in The Snake and the Knuckle (Habu to Kenkotsu), a story set in postwar Okinawa. He has since appeared in numerous domestic and international productions. In 2021, he starred in and produced Gensan Punch (Gisoku no Boxer), which won the Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival. His upcoming films include Chameleon (dir. Brillante Mendoza), Lone Samurai (dir. Josh C. Waller), The Army on the Tree (Ki no Ue no Guntai), Kaze no Majimu (Kaze no Majimu), and Treasure Island (Takarajima). He also serves as an ambassador for Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival.
Yusuke Kitaguchi

Born in Osaka. Made his acting debut in 2006 while studying at Waseda University in the film Who’s Camus Anyway? (Camus Nante Shiranai). He studied acting in both Japan and the U.S. while also beginning his career in filmmaking. His directorial debut short film Baby in the Dark was selected as one of the top 15 films at Filmapalooza among over 120 city winners and was screened at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. His first feature film Two on the Edge (Higan no Futari) was released nationwide in Japan and nominated in the New Directors section at the São Paulo International Film Festival. He is currently working on All Blue (Ōru Burū), starring Gori and set in Kumejima, Okinawa.
Niels Mueller

Born in 1961 in Wisconsin, USA. Niels Mueller is a film director, screenwriter, and producer. He gained international attention with The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004), which starred Sean Penn and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. He is also known as the screenwriter of hit films such as 13 Going on 30 (2004) and Letters to Juliet (2010), earning acclaim both in the U.S. and abroad. His latest film, Small Town Wisconsin (2020), won Best Feature Film and Best Director at the Rising Sun International Film Festival.
Kayoko Fujita

Based in Washington State, USA. Kayoko Fujita is the founder and director of Filmination Inc. Driven by a desire to introduce Japanese cinema to children born in the U.S., she has organized Japanese film screenings in Seattle and Los Angeles with support from organizations such as the Japan Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. She has also been involved in the planning, operation, and judging of both domestic and international film festivals, actively supporting the global expansion of Japanese cinema. From her base in Washington, she continues to serve as a bridge between Japanese films and the global market.
Yurina Yamada

Since 2019, Yurina Yamada has been a founding member of Filmination Inc., an online platform dedicated to the international distribution of Japanese films. She has been involved in international sales for over 300 Japanese titles, including independent films. In 2023, she produced the feature-length documentary Films Fighting on the Global Stage (Sekai de Tatakau Film-tachi, unofficial English title), and has also participated in the production of films, TV programs, and short dramas. Currently, she is engaged in international sales and production of Japanese films and television content, as well as multiple international co-productions.
THEATER ENYA

The judging panel from THEATER ENYA consists of Haruko Kaida (Theater Director), Yuiko Kawaguchi (Manager), and Ayano Takahashi (Staff). We curate and screen approximately 150 films annually at our cinema. In 2021, amidst the pandemic, we launched the "Karatsu Enya Festival," a short film festival aimed at supporting creators. After three successful festivals, we are finally realizing the Karatsu International Film Festival this year! We are passionately working towards becoming the "Cannes of independent film." Believing in the possibilities of cinema every day, our members are dedicated to film x regional revitalization and will sincerely engage with all nominated works!

Film Program

KIFF Opening Event
"Small, Slow but Steady"
Screening & Talk Session

Guests

Director Sho Miyake, Yukino Kishii (tentative)

Date

July 8th (Tuesday), 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue

THEATER ENYA

Admission Fees

General/Seniors (60+): ¥1,500
Students: ¥1,000
Disability Discount (person with disability + 1 attendant): ¥1,000

The film festival will kick off with a screening of "Small, Slow but Steady" by Sho Miyake, the KIFF 2025 Ambassador, followed by a screening and stage greeting with Yukino Kishii, who starred in the film. We will welcome these two individuals, who have released highly acclaimed and talked-about works and are active at the forefront of the Japanese film industry. They will share their thoughts on this film, the possibilities of cinema, and future prospects from various angles. There will also be a surprise event on the day, so please look forward to it!
- ※All seats are reserved. Admission may not be possible once seats are full.
- ※As this is a special screening, THEATER ENYA’s ticket booklets, complimentary tickets, and discount services are not applicable.
- ※This screening is separate from the nominated film program.
- ※Students must present a valid student ID.
- ※Guests using the disability discount must present a disability certificate.
Enjoy with Your Family!
Animation Video Workshop

Instructors

Randy Schmidt & Dylan

Date & Time

Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:00 AM ~ (approx. 2 hours)

Venue

"Yoshitsune no Yakata" in Gofukumachi Shopping Street

Target Audience

Elementary school students in 3rd grade or higher; Capacity: 25 people

Participation Fee

Uniform ¥500 per person (Parent-child pairs and adult-only participation are welcome)

The highly popular event from last time is back! An animation production workshop by Randy & Dylan, a father-son duo. This workshop is designed for everyone, from those who want to try speaking English to those who don't speak English, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. For specific workshop content, please see here.

Instructor (Randy Schmidt) Profile

Born in California, USA. After graduating from UCLA, he worked at 20th Century Fox Film Corporation before moving to Tokyo. For 17 years, he worked on CBS news flashes and short documentaries, covering the entire Asia region. In 2022, he received an Emmy Award for a news program he produced. He creates stop-motion and computer animation with his son, Dylan.

Apply Here
Talk Session
"New Possibilities for Film x Regional Revitalization"

Speakers

Producer: Hiroki Asano,
Lawyer: Kentaro Okamoto,
Theater ENYA Director: Haruko Kaida

Fee

¥1,000 (Guest Pass / Free Pass applicable)

Date & Time

July 10th (Thursday), 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Venue

THEATER ENYA

In recent years, a new approach to filmmaking, "Regional Revitalization x Film Production," has emerged. One of itspioneers is Director Nobuhiko Obayashi's "Hanagatami," which was entirely shot in Karatsu in 2017. This talk session will feature Haruko Kaida, Director of Theater ENYA, Kentaro Okamoto, a legal expert in entertainment, and Hiroki Asano, who has produced a wide range of works from indie to major. They will discuss the possibilities and challenges of new filmmaking that aligns with the director's artistic vision while leveraging regional revitalization initiatives, such as hometown tax donations. The session will cover rich content including new film production management, finance, and intellectual property rights, offering insights into the background of the "Theater ENYA Award" established at KIFF 2025. This session is highly recommended for those interested in film x regional revitalization and aspiring filmmakers! For speaker profiles and event details, please visit here.

Make a Reservation Here

Karatsu Matcha Experience

Date and Time

Sunday, July 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Venue

Yoshitsune no Yakata

Target Audience

Film Festival Guests

Admission

Free
- ※No advance registration is required; feel free to drop in and participate.
- ※The event will conclude once all prepared tea and sweets are served.
Come and enjoy an authentic matcha experience! You can savor matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets served in local Karatsu-yaki (Karatsu ware) tea bowls. For those interested, there's also an opportunity to prepare your own matcha. Karatsu is a town with a deep cultural heritage of traditional crafts, particularly Karatsu-yaki, and a thriving tea ceremony tradition. Take a moment to relax and casually immerse yourself in Japanese culture through this tea experience.

In Cooperation With: Urasenke Enkokai Tea Ceremony School, Karatsu Youth Division
Karatsu Walking Guide Tour

Dates & Times

① July 10th (Thursday), 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
② July 13th (Sunday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Meeting Point

In front of THEATER ENYA

Target Audience

Film Festival Guests

Participation Fee

Free

This all-in-one walking guide tour is packed with the charm of Karatsu. It's a guided tour where you can see Karatsu's famous spots all at once, including Karatsu Castle, the Karatsu Kunchi Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, and the Former Takatori House. Since the tour schedule does not overlap with the film festival program, you can enjoy sightseeing in Karatsu while watching films at the festival. For international guests, a translation guide will be provided. The tour takes approximately 2 hours. Please apply through the guest-exclusive questionnaire.
Karatsu Izakaya Social Gathering

Date

Saturday, July 12

Time

8:00 PM onwards

Venue

Izakaya "Daihachiguruma"
Please note: The venue may change depending on the number of participants.

Target Audience

Film Festival Guests

Participation Fee

¥5,000

This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen friendships informally with fellow film festival attendees and staff at one of Karatsu's top izakayas, where you can enjoy Karatsu's rich food and ceramics culture, as well as local sake. Please enjoy the exchange while savoring Karatsu gourmet food with a drink in hand. To apply, please use the dedicated questionnaire sent to all film festival participants.
Hospitality Partner Shops

Here's a list of participating shops offering special hospitality during the Karatsu International Film Festival

Binsukeya Chaho / JCC Pop-up Gallery / Ichibankan Art Ceramics Shop / Komatsuya Bags / Muta Gold and Silver Craft / KARAE TABLE / Shanry Karatsu / Tamatori / GALLERY Karaju / KARAE SHOP / calali / neuf 9

During the Karatsu International Film Festival, we're pleased to introduce you to Karatsu's finest hospitality partners, offering special benefits to our guests. Beyond the tenants located within KARAE, the commercial complex where Theater ENYA resides, you can also enjoy the local shopping streets, charming old-house cafes, and delicious bakeries, making your film festival experience even richer.

Click here for more details

1 Program: General/Seniors：¥1,000
Students：¥800
Book of 5 Tickets (5 Programs)Valid for up to 5 programs during the festival period.: ¥4,000
1-DAY Free PassAllows access to all programs on a single day of your choice during the festival.: ¥3,000
ALL-Period Free PassGrants access to all programs throughout the entire festival.: ¥10,000

This film festival organizes screenings into multiple "programs." A "program" refers to a block of films (approximately 2 hours), regardless of whether they are short, medium, feature-length, or documentaries.
The prices listed are per program. If you wish to watch multiple programs, please purchase a ticket for each.
Seating is unreserved. Even with a free pass, admission may not be guaranteed if the venue reaches full capacity.
The above admission fees do not apply to the screening of "Small, Slow but Steady."

How to Purchase

All tickets can be purchased directly at Theater ENYA, located on the 1st floor of KARAE.

The Karatsu International Film Festival is currently seeking volunteers!
If you are passionate about cinema or interested in international exchange,
we warmly invite you to join one of our volunteer orientation sessions

■ Examples of Volunteer Activities

Assisting with film screenings and venue operations
Supporting workshops led by guest instructors
Helping international guests experience the culture and hospitality of Karatsu
Participating in cultural performances for international guests (e.g., live music, calligraphy demonstrations)

■ Volunteer Orientation Sessions

Online Session

Date：: Wednesday, June 25
Time：: 18:00–19:00
Platform：: Zoom (details will be provided upon registration)

In-Person Session

Date：: Saturday, July 5
Time：: 13:00–14:00
Venue：: KARAE 2F Rental Space

KARAE 1F, 1783 Kyo-machi, Karatsu City, Saga 847-0045, Japan

Phone050-1871-1433

Emailinfo@festival-karatsu.com

By Train: 2-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station (North Exit)
By Car: Approx. 1 hour from Hakata/Tenjin via Urban Expressway → Nishi-Kyushu Expressway → Nijō-Hamatama Road

Approx. 1 hour from Saga Station via Nagasaki Expressway → Kyuragi-Taku Toll Road

Click here for parking information (Google Maps)
By Bus: From Hakata/Tenjin: Approx. 1 hour via Showa Bus “Karatsu-go”
Nearest stops: “Ōteguchi Bus Center” or “Alpino-mae” (3-minute walk)

From Saga Bus Center: Approx. 1 hour via Showa Bus
Nearest stop: “Ōteguchi Bus Center” (3-minute walk)

About
Karatsu Culture Commission

The Karatsu Culture Commission, a General Incorporated Association, operates 「 THEATER ENYA 」—Karatsu’s first movie theater in 22 years. In addition to managing the annual short film competition Karatsu Enya-sai (short film competition), we actively plan and promote cultural and tourism initiatives in Karatsu.

In 2017, we produced Hanagatami, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi.
In 2023, THEATER ENYA was selected as one of ten Japanese cinemas featured in the Japan Foundation’s JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023 project, which introduces Japanese film culture to the world. A documentary introducing Karatsu and THEATER ENYA is now available globally.

Learn more about THEATER ENYA on the JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023 site

_01Crowdfunding

Support KIFF through our crowdfunding campaign and receive original festival merchandise.

_02Corporate Sponsorship

We welcome corporate sponsors for the festival. If you are interested, please contact our office to arrange an informational meeting.

Contact Information

KARAE 1F, 1783 Kyo-machi, Karatsu City, Saga 847-0045, Japan

Phone050-1871-1433
Emailinfo@festival-karatsu.com

_03Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax Donation)

Karatsu Culture Commission, the organizing body of KIFF, is certified by Saga Prefecture as an eligible NPO for hometown tax donations. Contributions are accepted from individuals across Japan.

_04Corporate Furusato Nozei

Karatsu Culture Commission is also certified to receive corporate hometown tax donations. Up to 90% of the donation amount is eligible for corporate tax deductions.