Our Mission
We aim to celebrate independent films and showcase the artistry and creativity of independent filmmakers. Strengthening the bonds between Japanese and foreign filmmakers is our greatest aspiration. We also strive to prioritize filmmakers by promoting them, their artistic expression and creativity.
Our Festival
Inspired by the elegance, culture & refinement of bon dance and history, action & high energy of Ninjas, the essence of BonDance International Film Festival exemplifies the backbone of Japanese culture. Located at Hizen Yume Kaidou Ninja village, in Saga Japan, this festival is made possible by the community of Saga.
Our Programs
We showcase film categories such as Kids, Drama, Sci-fi, Comedy, Thriller, Documentary and many more. Our films and guests are from Japan and abroad. All films shown will be subtitled in Japanese and English.
Our Location
Hizen Yume Kaido Ninja Village located in Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, is a theme park loved by the locals and is frequently used as a location for TV and movies. The adjacent Ureshino Onsen has been known as a famous hot spring since ancient times. This location near the center of Kyushu boasts great access to all other tourist destinations.
Events
DATES & DEADLINES
Opening Date:
– November 2nd, 2025
Earlybird 1:
– November 30th, 2025
Earlybird 2:
– December 28th, 2025
Earlybird 3:
– January 25th, 2026
Regular 1:
– February 22nd, 2026
Regular 2:
– March 29th, 2026
Regular 3:
– April 26th, 2026
Extended 1:
– May 31st, 2026
Extended 2:
– June 28th, 2026
Extended 3:
– July 26th, 2026
Notification Date:
– August 30th, 2026
Event Dates:
– October 24th – 25th, 2026
Awards
CATEGORIES
Best Feature (Live Action)
Best Feature (Animation)
Best Feature (Documentary)
Best Short (Live Action)
Best Short (Animation)
Best Short (Documentary)
Best Film for Kids
Best Film of Japan
Best Music Video
No prize money involved.
Rules
RULES & TERMS
1. Eligibility
-Films of all genres and durations are eligible.
-Submissions are open to filmmakers, students, distributors, and anyone from any country.
-There is no restriction on the production year of the film.
-The film must comply with our human and animal rights standards.
-The applicant must hold all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances to submit and screen the film.
2. Ethical Standards
BonDance International Film Festival promotes respect for life, diversity, and freedom of expression.
However, to maintain our core values, we reserve the right to disqualify any film that:
-Contains excessive or gratuitous violence, abuse, or discrimination.
-Shows disrespect toward human or animal rights.
-Contains explicit sexual or pornographic content.
-Serves primarily as religious or political propaganda.
-Promotes hate speech, exploitation, or content intended to incite harm.
3. Language & Subtitles
-Films not in English must include embedded (burned-in) English subtitles.
-Subtitles must be clear, accurate, and synchronized with the dialogue.
4. Submission Materials
-Only online screeners submitted via FilmFreeway will be considered for the selection process.
-Please attach a poster and a short synopsis for promotional purposes.
-A trailer is recommended but not mandatory.
5. Selection & Screening Agreement
-All submissions are considered offers for screening.
-If your film is selected, our notification of Official Selection constitutes acceptance, forming a mutual agreement to screen unless explicitly withdrawn before the official program announcement.
-Once your film is officially announced in the program, it cannot be withdrawn except in extraordinary circumstances approved in writing by the festival.
-Judging decisions are final, and applicants will not receive individual comments.
6. Screening Format
-The preferred screening format of BonDance International Film Festival is digital MP4 (H.264 codec).
-The film should be encoded in progressive scan, with stereo audio (48 kHz) and a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD) or higher.
-Other common digital formats (e.g., MOV, ProRes) may be accepted upon request and approval by the festival.
-Screening materials must be delivered digitally via the method specified in your selection email.
-The festival does not accept physical media (such as Blu-ray or USB) unless otherwise requested.
7. Fees & Costs
-All submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
-Films that are withdrawn after submission are considered disqualified.
8. Promotion & Publicity
By submitting your film, you grant BonDance International Film Festival the right to:
-Use trailers, posters, stills, and excerpts for promoting your film and the festival.
-Share promotional materials with partner festivals and media outlets for related publicity.
-Feature your film on the festival’s official website, printed materials, and social media platforms.
9. Liability & Indemnification
-The person(s) or entity submitting the film warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening and have obtained all necessary permissions.
-The applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BonDance International Film Festival, its organizers, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of copyright, trademark, screening, or publicity issues.
-The festival will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or delay of materials during online transfer, nor for any technical issues, server failures, or force majeure events (including pandemics, natural disasters, or war).
10. Amendments
-BonDance International Film Festival reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to add, modify, or repeal any of these rules at any time, with or without prior notice.
-Submitting an entry to the festival constitutes full acceptance of these rules and terms.
End of Document
CALL FOR ENTRIES !
We can't wait to see your work
