The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026, one of Asia's largest international short film festivals accredited by the Academy Awards, has announced the nominees for the 'CyberAgent Vertical Award' in collaboration with CyberAgent Inc. Selected from a record 663 submissions—the highest in the festival's history as of March 31, 2026—12 outstanding vertical works, including short dramas and SNS videos, were chosen for their high effectiveness and expressive power.

Among the 12 nominated works are productions by 'Gokko Club' and 'Koneko Film,' who were finalists in the previous award, as well as works from popular SNS accounts such as 'Ibuyohe Squash' and 'Kowazo @ Zotto Horror.' The cast features a variety of talent from different genres, including Hayato Ichihara, Takato Nagata, Shogo Hama, and Yosuke Asari.

Nominated works will be screened from May 26 to May 31 at MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives Park Terrace. The winner, judged on creativity, messaging, and innovation in vertical video expression, will be announced at the Award Ceremony on June 10. The Grand Prix winner will receive 500,000 JPY and a sub-prize consisting of an experience tour and production rights at the 'Kiwami AI Odaiba Studio.' Furthermore, Tatsuya Ando, Executive Producer at CyberAgent, will announce upcoming vertical video projects during the ceremony.

About the CyberAgent Vertical Award: - Purpose: To establish a hub for vertical content and create a future for vertical video creativity. - Eligibility: Creative vertical works (short dramas, branded movies, etc.) demonstrating high effectiveness and expression. - Prize: 500,000 JPY and production rights at 'Kiwami AI Odaiba Studio.'

'Kiwami AI Odaiba Studio' is a specialized production studio owned by CyberAgent, utilizing AI and 3DCG to maximize advertising effectiveness. It is equipped with advanced facilities such as three types of LED walls and 4D scanning for high-quality volumetric capture.

Nominated Works (Excerpt): - 'ID photo' Directed by Yuji Mitsuhashi - 'The Long Evening Calm' Directed by Keiji Ishikawa - 'On the way up the hill' Directed by Yuta Ito - 'AIDOL KACHO' Directed by Chavo

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event