NATIONAL PROGRAMME
THUNDERGOD
One day, a young woman named Aoi appears in the village with dreams of dancing at an exclusive underground club open only to lightning strike survivors. Aoi wanders the village in a desperate daze, torn between life and death.
“Thundergod” is a narrative experimental film that blurs fiction and folklore to explore themes of resilience and acceptance.
Umi Ishihara
Fiction, Experimental | Japan | 2024 | 0:18:16 | Student Film
🏆 SSF2025 Japan Premiere Award
CHOCOLATE
Natsuki and Riku meet at a rest house at the foot of the mountain. As they make their way to the shrine at the summit, they reminisce about Riku’s younger sister, Chiyoko. Walking up the path, they chant "Chocolate" in rhythm. 18 years ago, on that same day, Natsuki was waiting for Chiyoko, who was supposed to meet him there.
Haruna Tanaka
Fiction, Drama | Japan | 2025 | 0:07:40
GREENHOUSE OF LIFE
I was saved by the greenhouse, and I provide explanations while offering my monologue on various topics.
Tomoki Yamakawa
Fiction, Drama | Japan | 2025 | 0:15:00
THE TINY KING
When mom is away, dad reads a picture book “The Tiny King” to the fussy 6-year-old Iyori. As dad aims to teach Iyori a lesson about navigating change, he finds himself surprised when his son’s playful and imaginative ideas inspire him in unexpected ways.
This story reminds us that sometimes, like children, we can embrace life’s uncertainties with wonder and joy.
Yuka Nakamura
Fiction, Drama | Japan | 2025 | 0:11:36 | First Film
MY SWEET PALA
Born to Tibetan immigrant parents in America, eleven-year-old Pema has always felt the protective embrace of her close-knit community, and the overprotective eye of her father, Kelsang. However, an unexpected incident reveals the harsh realities her father has been shielding her from, and Pema begins to understand the complexities of her minority status in society for the first time.
Tao Okamoto
Fiction, Drama | USA | 2025 | 0:22:00
🏆 SSF2025 Best Actor, Metok Lhatso