Kore-eda Honored with TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD at SSFF & ASIA…

Event summary

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) will present the 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD to director Hirokazu Kore-eda on May 25, 2026.
Kore-eda's contributions to cinema and support for young creators align with the award's mission of bridging Japan with the global film community.
The ceremony will take place at MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, designed by architect Kengo Kuma.
Kore-eda is scheduled to release two new films in 2026: 'Sheep in a Box' and 'Look Back'.
Tickets for the opening ceremony go on sale April 23, 2026.

The big picture

The award highlights SSFF & ASIA's role in recognizing figures who bridge traditional cinema with global influences. Kore-eda's focus on industry improvement and international collaboration underscores a broader trend toward more open and connected filmmaking ecosystems. His upcoming projects and continued advocacy for young creators will be key areas to monitor as the festival progresses.

What we're watching

Creative Reinvention: How Kore-eda's struggle to reinvent himself will impact his future film projects and the broader cinema landscape.
Industry Support: Whether Kore-eda's efforts to improve labor conditions and support young creators will gain traction within the industry.
International Collaboration: The pace at which Kore-eda's international collaborations will expand, given his recent work with crews and casts in South Korea and France.

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