New Competition For Animated Films: Nippon Animation Shorts Award

Wacom is sponsoring the first award for the best animated short film at the Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection

With the Nippon Animation Shorts Award, the Nippon Connection Film Festival will introduce its first dedicated competition for animated short films in 2026. The new award focuses on supporting emerging creative talents from Japan and is presented in cooperation with Wacom.

From June 2 to 7, 2026, the 26th Nippon Connection Film Festival will screen around 100 short and feature-length films from Japan at various venues in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. With more than 20,000 visitors, it is considered the world’s largest platform for Japanese cinema. With the new award, the festival further strengthens its long-standing commitment to emerging talent and innovative filmmaking.

“Independent and experimental animation is a key driving force behind creative innovation. Young artists deserve visibility and recognition – which is why we are very pleased to support the first Nippon Animation Shorts Award and to accompany new talents on their way.” – Nobu Ide, CEO, Wacom

Wacom, whose digital drawing tablets and pen displays are used in many animation studios worldwide, is deeply committed to promoting the next generation in the creative industries. The new partnership between Wacom and Nippon Connection underscores their shared aim of supporting independent animation art and young filmmakers from Japan.

Animated films and series play a major role in shaping international perceptions of the Japanese film industry. A vibrant independent short film scene that fosters experimental young talents exists alongside major studio productions. Nippon Connection has been showcasing this diversity for many years – among other things through a cooperation with the Department of Animation at the Tokyo University of the Arts, which is based in Yokohama, Frankfurt’s partner city.

The award is aimed at animated short films with a maximum running time of 20 minutes that were produced between 2024 and 2026 and will have at least their German premiere at the festival. Productions from Japan or films directed by Japanese filmmakers are eligible. From all submissions, Nippon Connection will curate three competition programs, from which an international jury will select the winning film. The prize is endowed with €2,000 and will be awarded during the Nippon Connection Film Festival.

Submissions are now open and can be made via the festival website NipponConnection.com/entry until February 1, 2026.