The outdoor theater event "Shinagawa International Film Festival" will be held from November 9 (Monday) to November 14 (Saturday), 2026, at Shinagawa InterCity Central Garden and the Shinagawa Grand Commons Event Plaza. Under this year's theme, "the character of Shinagawa," the festival will screen short films selected from Japan and abroad, and hold talk sessions in which guests discuss the films under daily-changing themes such as ways of living, visual expression, towns and daily life. Live music, stage events, food and drinks are also part of the six days.
What Is the Shinagawa International Film Festival?
An outdoor theater is set up at Shinagawa InterCity as a collaboration between ShortShorts and CINEMA CARAVAN. ShortShorts is the comprehensive short film brand behind SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA, one of Asia's largest international short film festivals. CINEMA CARAVAN is a mobile open-air cinema project that can be experienced with all five senses. Together they will screen a total of 32 films, centered on short films selected from around the world.
The event began in 2018 and has welcomed many visitors as an out-of-the-ordinary outdoor theater that suddenly appears in the center of the city. The theater is produced by CINEMA CARAVAN, which drew attention as a forerunner of outdoor film festivals when the Zushi Beach Film Festival became a big topic on social media. The films are mainly acclaimed works selected by SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA, a Japan-born international short film festival and one of the largest in Asia, and are shown in two special theaters with a different lineup each day.
Beyond the films, the festival serves drinks from "YAMATOUMI," made at a small distillery on the shores of Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, and from "DAWN BREWS," a craft beer born in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Visitors can also try pies made with seasonal ingredients, fried chicken made with domestic chicken, and the "ultra-aged" beef tendon curry that is a familiar sight at the festival. Live music by artists and illumination lighting up the venue are also part of the event, so visitors can enjoy the films at a relaxed pace while eating and drinking.
Six Days of Films and Themes
This year's festival is themed "the character of Shinagawa." Short films selected mainly around "connections between people" and "respect for diversity" will be shown at two theaters, the MAIN Theater and the CREATOR'S Theater. The MAIN Theater mainly screens short films selected from around the world, while the CREATOR'S Theater adds guest talk sessions to its film and video screenings. Using film as a starting point, the festival explores the perspectives behind each work and the wider themes beyond the screen, including cities, daily life, nature, culture and human connections.
MAIN Theater
The MAIN Theater selects works that inspire the kind of Shinagawa community-building the area should aim for, and that offer inspiration for making it happen, with a focus on "connections between people" and "respect for diversity." A "Festival Special Selection," which screens recommended short films from across the six days in one go, will also be held.
Music performances will be held before the screenings, along with stage performances in cooperation with local groups and circles active around Shinagawa, so visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment alongside the films.
CREATOR'S Theater
From November 9 to 13, the CREATOR'S Theater offers five days of film and video screenings and guest talk sessions. Different themes are set for each day, including "living your own story," "a new world opened through visual expression," "a town built through human connections," "life from here on" and "a rich future," and the talks look at each work from a variety of perspectives.
Beyond watching films, a charm of the CREATOR'S Theater is that creators, guests from different fields and the audience gather in the same place and share their own perspectives and experiences. The festival aims to open the film venue itself as a "public commons" where anyone can take part and new dialogue and relationships can emerge.
Opening Event with Naoki Matayoshi
On the opening day, November 9 (Monday), writer and comedian Naoki Matayoshi, known for works including 『火花』, will appear as a guest.
In the opening talk show, Matayoshi, who wrote the original story and screenplay for 『死生の峠』, a film screened in the Live Action category at SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2026, will speak from a screenwriter's perspective about the appeal of films including short films, the highlights of the works screened at the Shinagawa International Film Festival, and how to enjoy the festival.
Naoki Matayoshi Profile
Born in 1980 in Neyagawa, Osaka. A comedian and writer affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo. He formed the comedy duo ピース in 2003, where he plays the boke (the comedic fool). In 2015 he won the Akutagawa Prize for 『火花』, which became a bestseller with more than 3.5 million copies in circulation. His other major works include 『劇場』, 『人間』 and 『生きとるわ』.
Illumination Lighting Countdown
Also on the opening day, November 9 (Monday), Hiroe Igeta, the CM character for Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate, and Naoki Matayoshi will hold a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas illumination at Shinagawa Central Garden.
Together with the guests, the crowd will count down to the moment the lights come on, and the illumination that decorates the night at Shinagawa InterCity will light up all at once.
Hiroe Igeta Profile
Born on February 3, 1997, in Fukuoka Prefecture. She has been the image character for Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate since 2018. Her current regular programs include Nippon TV's 「おしゃれクリップ」 and 「Going!Sports&News」, NHK's 「ひみつのドアーズ！」, TV Asahi's 「ミュージック甲子園」 and J-WAVE's radio program 「TOMOLAB.」. She is also active in many fields, including dramas and films.
What Is SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA?
An international short film festival officially recognized by the U.S. Academy Awards and one of Asia's largest, born in Japan. It shares the appeal of talented filmmakers from Japan with the world, and keeps taking on new challenges every year while pursuing the short film genre.
The autumn international short film festival will also be held from November 5 (Thursday) to November 8 (Sunday), and films will also be streamed from the online venue until November 22 (Sunday).
https://www.shortshorts.org/2026autumn/
The festival marks its 28th edition this year. In 2018, in commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the Grand Prix became the "George Lucas Award," named after director George Lucas. In January 2019, "Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood" was held as a 20th anniversary event. Starting with the 2019 festival, a total of four films, the Outstanding Award winners in the International, Asia International and Japan categories plus the Outstanding Award winner in the Non-Fiction category, have gained the right to be considered as candidates for nomination in the short film categories of the following year's Academy Awards. From 2022, the total became five films, including the Outstanding Award winner in the Animation category. Through the festival, it supports young creators. (https://www.shortshorts.org)
What Is CINEMA CARAVAN?
CINEMA CARAVAN is a mobile open-air cinema project that connects people, nature and culture through the five senses. It started in 2010, centered on photographer 志津野雷, under the concept of "playing with the Earth." It spreads screens for outdoor screenings in everyday scenery to create an out-of-the-ordinary cinema, and expresses the experiences and sensations learned while traveling, such as the cultures and landscapes rooted in each place and real-life realities, through a variety of methods. It also serves as a place to exchange information to pass on to the world and the next generation.
CINEMA CARAVAN organizes the Zushi Beach Film Festival, which reaches its 15th edition this year. Its activities span genres and borders, including domestic and international film festivals such as the Tokyo International Film Festival and the San Sebastián International Film Festival, installations at art events such as the 大地の芸術祭 and ART JOG (Indonesia), and performances in regional areas such as Shirakawa-go and Niseko and collaborations with local governments for regional revitalization. As CINEMA CARAVAN & Takashi Kuribayashi, it took part in documenta15, the world-renowned art festival held in Kassel, Germany, as the only invited artist from Japan, and served as the main act at Roppongi Art Night 2023, widening the scope of its activities.
Film Lineup (Excerpt)
A total of 32 films will be screened during the festival. Films on a variety of themes can be enjoyed at two theaters: the "MAIN Theater," held on the main screen, and the "CREATOR'S Theater," held at the Shinagawa Grand Commons Event Plaza.
MAIN Theater Films
『死生の峠』 (12 min 40 sec)
- Director: ヘソ
- Country of production: Japan (2025)
- Genre: Drama
In the fifth year of the Bunsei era, a samurai who has resigned from his post to take responsibility for wrongdoing arrives at a mountain pass, determined to die. There he meets a mysterious rōnin who speaks to him as if they were old acquaintances. Bewildered and irritated, the samurai gradually exposes his innermost feelings and begins to question the meaning of death and life.
『妻担ぎレース』 (24 min 40 sec)
- Director: Mathias Rifkiss & Colas Rifkiss
- Country of production: France (2023)
- Genre: Comedy
Denis and Céline are a couple who have been together for many years, but they have a problem. To regain his dignity as a husband, Denis decides to enter a "wife-carrying race."
Family Special Program Film
Song of the Sea (93 min)
- Director: Tomm Moore
- Screenplay: Will Collins
- Music: Bruno Coulais, KiLA
- Countries of production: Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Denmark (2014)
- Production: Cartoon Saloon
- Genre: Animation
- Japanese dub: 本上まなみ, Lily Franky, 中納良恵 (EGO-WRAPPIN')
Ben is a boy living in a seaside lighthouse with his younger sister, Saoirse. Ever since their mother disappeared into the sea on the night Saoirse was born, he has lived with a sense of loneliness. One day, it turns out that Saoirse has inherited the power of a selkie, a fairy that takes the form of a seal in the sea and a human on land. To save the fading world of magic and his sister, Ben sets out with Saoirse on a mysterious journey. Based on Irish mythology, it is a fantasy animation that portrays the beautiful sea, music and the bond between siblings.
CREATOR'S Theater Films
Living Your Own Story, Considered Through Film: November 9 (Monday), from 7:00 PM
『海の色は夢のつづき』 (46 min)
- Director: 南あさひ
- Country of production: Japan (2022)
- Guests: 長谷川直紀 (actor) / 永楠あゆ美 (actor)
Starting from the screening of the film 『海の色は夢のつづき』, the session considers what it means to "live your own story." Building on the expressive skills they developed as actors, the two guests practice creating relationships in which team members can speak honestly, and spaces where each person can speak in their own words, in corporate training and local communities. Through acting, communicating and facing others, they explore the possibility of a society in which everyone can actively live their own story.
A New World Opened Through Visual Expression: November 10 (Tuesday), from 7:00 PM
- 『退屈の外側』 (guest: Y2, cinematic videographer)
- 『JAPAN'S SEA』 (guest: 古見 きゅう, photographer)
- 『走馬灯』 (Shinagawa International Film Festival special edit version) (guest: 松井 至, filmmaker)
Short video works by three creators will be screened. Through works born from different themes and perspectives, the session introduces the diverse possibilities of visual expression. After the screenings, a talk session will be held with the creator of each work. By tracing the production process from the starting point of the idea through shooting to the finished work, the session explores the world each creator can depict only through video.
Cinema Gourmet to Enjoy with the Films
In addition to the films, the festival offers a wide range of food and drinks, including drinks from "YAMATOUMI," a small distillery on the shores of Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, and from "DAWN BREWS," born in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, as well as pies made with seasonal ingredients, fried chicken made with domestic chicken, and the "ultra-aged" beef tendon curry familiar to festival visitors. In the outdoor cinema space, visitors can watch, listen and taste all at once.
AMIGO MARKET
From AMIGO MARKET, located next to Zushi CINEMA AMIGO, the original "Hayama Persimmon Pie" is offered, made with seasonal persimmon and cream cheese and a good match for alcohol.
逗子葉山常備菜研究所
Fried chicken made with domestic chicken and no wheat flour, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, is offered, along with a vegetable-rich "seasonal vegetable and mixed-grain minestrone" made with vegetable broth from organically and naturally grown vegetables.
THE CURRY HOURS
The "ultra-aged" beef tendon curry, familiar to Shinagawa International Film Festival visitors, appears this year in a small size. It can be enjoyed together with spicy grilled lamb skewers.
YAMATOUMI
A small distillery on the shores of Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture. Under the theme "farm & distill with love," it makes distilled spirits from agricultural products that would otherwise be discarded, such as the pomace of natural wine, the lees of cider and sake lees, as well as seasonal fruits and home-grown herbs and botanicals.
DAWN BREWS
A craft beer born in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Its signature brew, 『かぼちゃとりっく』, is a Halloween beer scented with pumpkin and spices that won a gold medal at a world competition. An arranged version of 『かぼちゃとりっく』 will be offered exclusively at the 2026 Shinagawa International Film Festival.
Local Friendship Stages
Local Students and Groups Gather for Stage Performances
On the final day, local groups and circles active around Shinagawa will hold stage performances. Groups from the community, including スガナミゴスペルクワイヤ, CJC, 朋優学院吹奏楽部 and BRIDGESスクール, will show off their individual strengths in music, dance and more.
Scheduled performing groups: スガナミゴスペルクワイヤ / CJC / Guitar Duo / ジェームスママクワイヤ / 朋優学院吹奏楽部 / テーマパークダンス / しながわ学院エンタ部 / BRIDGESスクール
D.LEAGUE Team "SEGA SAMMY LUX" Performs
"SEGA SAMMY LUX" is known for performances that go beyond the framework of dance with unexpected routines. As last year, its youth team "LUX CANDELA" will also perform. This time, students taught directly by professional dancers at "STUDIO LUX" in Shinagawa InterCity will also take the stage. The performances are planned on a much larger scale than last year.
CINEMA CARAVAN Video and Music Performance
CINEMA CARAVAN has traveled around the world, connecting places and people through film, music and art. This time it presents a live performance that combines video and music born from its past activities. The performance brings together the scenery projected on the screen and the sounds played on the spot.
Event Information
Dates
November 9 (Monday) to November 14 (Saturday), 2026
Screening Times
MAIN Theater (main screen at Shinagawa InterCity)
- November 9 (Monday)
- Opening ceremony, illumination lighting ceremony and talk show: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
- Part 1, Festival Special Selection: 7:00 PM to 7:55 PM
- Part 2, Festival Special Selection: 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM
- November 10 (Tuesday) to November 13 (Friday)
- Part 1, daily-changing selections: from 7:00 PM
- Part 2, daily-changing selections: from 8:00 PM
- End times vary depending on the work.
- November 14 (Saturday)
- Family special program: 7:00 PM to 8:35 PM
CREATOR'S Theater (Shinagawa Grand Commons Event Plaza)
- November 9 (Monday) to November 13 (Friday): from 7:00 PM
- End times vary depending on the work.
Other Schedules
- Live music: November 10 (Tuesday) to November 13 (Friday), 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
- Food and drink area: November 9 (Monday) to November 13 (Friday), 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; November 14 (Saturday), 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Illumination: 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight). On November 9 (Monday), the lighting start time differs because of the lighting ceremony.
- Local Friendship Stages: November 14 (Saturday), 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Performance by a professional dance team: November 14 (Saturday), 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM
- CINEMA CARAVAN video and music performance: November 14 (Saturday), 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Access
Venue: Shinagawa InterCity and Shinagawa Grand Commons (2-15-2 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- 6-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station
- 8-minute walk from Keikyu Shinagawa Station
- 8-minute walk from Keikyu Main Line Kita-Shinagawa Station
Official Website
Shinagawa International Film Festival official website: https://www.shinagawa-cinema.com/
