Call for Entries for Kyoto Filmmakers Lab 2017. The organisers' purpose is sharing diversity and making a network for young filmmakers. In the nine-year history of Kyoto Filmmakers Lab, a total of 210 participants from 45 countries, selected from 1002 applicants from 94 countries, have experienced KFL workshops and collaborated with each other in Kyoto.

There are two different workshops open to applications from outside Japan:

Hands-on “JIDAIGEKI”

Selected young filmmakers from all over the world will create three-minute short samurai films using the open sets in Toei Studios Kyoto and Shochiku Kyoto Studios. An authentic traditional Jidaigeki-making experience is provided, using almost the same facilities and equipment for feature filmmaking, including JIDAIGEKI permanent sets, props, lighting, and costuming. Screenplays will be invited for entry from the participants in advance, and 2 screenplays among them will be selected by the Lab staff. Participants will be divided into 2 groups, the Toei and Shochiku teams, and each team will work together from scenario development to post-production, with production support by supervisors and professional staff from the studios. After 2 days shooting, participants will join Masters Session to communicate with guests and lecturers.

Eligibility (see guidelines for full details):

• You have professional experience in the film, video game or animation industries, OR you have made a short film, OR You are a film school/program graduate or graduate student.


• We accept applicants of any nationality.


• English communication ability is preferable.


• We do NOT accept team/group applications.


• You must be able to attend all 7 days of the program, from October 28th to November 3rd, 2017 (training camp/retreat–style Workshop).

Partial travel expenses (60,000 JP yen) will be provided to participants who lives outside of Japan. We provide it during KFL program. Under any circumstances, we do NOT provide it before the period of KFL.

MASTERS Session

We will open Masters Session with Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) this year. A variety of guests who will be invited to TIFF and Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival (KHIFF) will serve lecturers. Also, a theatrical swordfight workshop will be scheduled in collaboration with Toei or Shochiku. We hope to foster the development of talented filmmakers by inspiring young participants in the workshop.

Eligibility (see guidelines for full details):

• You have professional experience in the film, videogame or animation industries, OR you have made a short film, OR You are a film school/program graduate or graduate student. ex.) Filmmaker, Director, DP, Production Manager, Producer, Grip/Electrics, Sound operator, Music Composer, Editor, Production Designer, Art Director, Set Decorator, Makeup, Special Effects, Visual Effects, Costume, Scenario Writer, Actor/Actress, Game Designer, Game Creator, Game Programmer, Sound Creator, Graphic Designer, Animator, Character Designer,etc.


• We accept applicants of any nationality.


• English communication ability is preferable.


• We do NOT accept team/group applications.


• You must be able to attend all 7 days of the program, from October 28th to November 3rd, 2017 (training camp/retreat–style Workshop).

Partial travel expenses (60,000 JP yen) will be provided to participants who lives outside of Japan. We provide it during KFL program. Under any circumstances, we do NOT provide it before the period of KFL.

Application deadline for both programmes: September 17th