Festival Profile

The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide and takes place annually on six days in early summer at Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm, NAXOS, Cinema of the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum, Eldorado Arthouse Cinema, Mal Seh’n cinema and other locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and cultural program covers a wide range of events, including both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. The 24th Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from May 28 to June 2, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2023, more than 18,500 visitors attended the festival events. The festival was founded in 2000 and is mainly organized on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. In 2023, the festival was under the patronage of Hessian Minister for Science and Art, the Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main.
 

The Film Program

Japan is one of the most innovative and diverse film countries in the world. Every year, the Nippon Connection Festival presents a cross section of current Japanese film production with around 100 films, from short films and documentaries to animated and feature films, including many German, European, and international premieres.

Numerous directors, actors, and producers attend the festival every year, introducing their films in person.

The festival presents five awards: Nippon Rising Star Award, Nippon Cinema Award, Nippon Visions Jury Award, Nippon Visions Audience Award, and Nippon Docs Award.
 

The Supporting Program

At the Nippon Connection Festival, one can get to know Japanese culture in all its facets. The Nippon Culture section offers more than 50 events, from tea ceremony, cooking classes, performances, and exhibitions to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, and a special kids’ program.

Nippon Food & More

Culinary needs are also catered to: a variety of bars and food stands offer Japanese drinks, sushi, ramen, and other delicacies. Merchandising stands invite you to browse through books, films, and artisanry. In 2023, over 40 restaurateurs and exhibitors have been at the main festival venues Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm and NAXOS.
 

Press Quotes
 

»What's the best place on the planet for catching up on the entire range of contemporary Japanese cinema, from experimental shorts to commercial hits? My candidate is Nippon Connection.« Japan Times

»As the best visited festival within the Rhein-Main area, Nippon Connection breaks attendance records every year.« Strandgut – Das Kulturmagazin

»An absolute highlight of the year for fans of film and Japan.« Japan Digest

»The most important overview show of Japanese cinema outside Japan has long been one of the most important German festivals. On a list of the hundred most important international film events published by the London Raindance Festival, there are only three German festivals at all: Instead of Munich or Hamburg, they recommend the Frankfurt Japan Festival, which every year succeeds in reflecting the enormous range of this unique film country.« Frankfurter Rundschau

»The definitive “place to be” for all who want to discover Japanese culture and especially exciting updates from Japanese cinema.« Deadline

»More than a film festival: in Frankfurt, it’s about all facets of Japanese culture.« Intro

»The shift in our perception of Japan and its culture is due to the Frankfurt-based festival Nippon Connection, entirely dedicated to Japanese film.« Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»After ten films, you feel like you can already pronounce at least individual words perfectly, and the desire to travel to Japan and explore the country in person and not just on screen is limitless.« ray Filmmagazin