The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide and takes place annually on six days in early summer at Künstlerinnenhaus Mousonturm, NAXOS, Cinema of the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum, Eldorado Arthouse Cinema, Mal Seh’n cinema and other locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and cultural program covers a wide range of events, including both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. The 24th Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from May 28 to June 2, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2023, more than 18,500 visitors attended the festival events. The festival was founded in 2000 and is mainly organized on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. In 2023, the festival was under the patronage of Hessian Minister for Science and Art, the Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main.

The Film Program

Japan is one of the most innovative and diverse film countries in the world. Every year, the Nippon Connection Festival presents a cross section of current Japanese film production with around 100 films, from short films and documentaries to animated and feature films, including many German, European, and international premieres.

Numerous directors, actors, and producers attend the festival every year, introducing their films in person.

The festival presents five awards: Nippon Rising Star Award, Nippon Cinema Award, Nippon Visions Jury Award, Nippon Visions Audience Award, and Nippon Docs Award.

The Supporting Program

At the Nippon Connection Festival, one can get to know Japanese culture in all its facets. The Nippon Culture section offers more than 50 events, from tea ceremony, cooking classes, performances, and exhibitions to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, and a special kids’ program.