We will update this list regularly. Bookmark it!
February 2026
Kyoto International Student Films & Video Festival (Kyoto, Japan) | Feb 20–23
Japan’s largest international student-run film festival, focused exclusively on emerging filmmakers. The key thing to know: it’s a launchpad — many directors who screen here go on to larger Asian festival circuits.
Niigata International Animation Film Festival (Niigata, Japan) | Feb 20–25
One of Japan’s few festivals dedicated entirely to feature-length animation. Its significance lies in its focus on artistic and independent animation, not just commercial anime.
Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival (Okinawa, Japan) | Feb 20–28
A regional bridge festival connecting Japan with Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The standout feature is its emphasis on cross-cultural storytelling across island and coastal communities.
March 2026
Docedge Kolkata (Kolkata, India) | Mar 2–9
A major South Asian documentary platform that combines screenings with pitching forums and industry labs. Its importance lies in project development — many documentaries secure funding or co-production deals here.
Nepal International Film Festival (Kathmandu, Nepal) | Mar 5–9
Nepal’s leading international film event, showcasing both global and local cinema. It plays a key role in elevating Nepalese filmmakers onto the international stage.
Mint Chinese Film Festival (Keswick, UK) | Mar 6–8
A UK-based festival dedicated to Chinese-language cinema. Its importance lies in cultural exchange — introducing mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese films to British audiences outside major metropolitan hubs.
Disorient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon (USA) | Mar 13–15
A long-running showcase of Asian American independent cinema. It is known for amplifying diasporic and politically engaged storytelling.
IAWRT Asian Women’s Film Festival (India) | Mar 13–15
Organized by the International Association of Women in Radio & Television, this festival centers Asian women filmmakers. The key point: it foregrounds gendered perspectives often marginalized in mainstream circuits.
Tokyo Anime Award Festival (Tokyo, Japan) | Mar 13–16
A prestigious animation-focused event tied closely to Japan’s anime industry. It blends fan culture with serious industry recognition.
Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) | Mar 17–20
Asia’s major content marketplace rather than a public festival. The most important fact: deals are made here — distribution, co-productions, and streaming acquisitions.
Florence Korean Film Fest (Florence, Italy) | Mar 19–28
Europe’s largest festival dedicated exclusively to Korean cinema. It plays a significant role in sustaining Korean film visibility in European markets.
Cambodia International Film Festival (Phnom Penh) | Mar 22–29
Cambodia’s premier international festival. It supports Southeast Asian filmmakers and strengthens regional cinema networks.
Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival (Taipei, Taiwan) | Mar 28–Apr 8
One of Asia’s leading children’s film festivals. Its key focus is educational storytelling and youth engagement.
Asian Film Awards (Hong Kong) | TBA
Asia’s pan-regional film awards platform recognizing excellence across countries. It functions as a prestige marker within the Asian film industry.
April 2026
Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) | Apr 1–12
One of Asia’s oldest and most respected festivals. It serves as a major launchpad for Chinese-language films and international arthouse premieres in the region.
CinemAsia Film Festival (Amsterdam) | Apr 8–12
Europe’s largest Asian film festival. It is crucial for connecting Asian filmmakers with European arthouse audiences.
Asian Film Festival Rome | Apr 8–16
A key Italian platform for Asian cinema. It plays an important role in expanding Asian film access beyond festival-only audiences.
Queer East Film Festival (London) | Apr 22–May 17
A UK festival dedicated to queer Asian cinema. Its importance lies in spotlighting LGBTQ+ narratives across East and Southeast Asia.
Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) | Apr 23–26
The premier U.S. showcase for Indian independent cinema. It is known for elevating bold, contemporary Indian storytellers.
Red Lotus Asian Film Festival Vienna | Apr 23–26
An Austrian platform celebrating Asian cinema. It emphasizes cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
Busan International Short Film Festival | Apr 23–28
South Korea’s leading short film event. It often previews emerging Korean directors before they move to feature filmmaking.
FascinAsian Film Festival (Winnipeg) | Apr 23–May 10
Canada’s growing Asian-focused festival. It centers diaspora narratives and community engagement.
Far East Film Festival (Udine, Italy) | Apr 24–May 2
Europe’s most important commercial Asian film showcase. It focuses on popular Asian cinema rather than strictly arthouse fare.
Jeonju International Film Festival | Apr 29–May 8
A key Korean arthouse and indie cinema platform. Jeonju is particularly influential in supporting experimental and low-budget filmmakers.
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival | Apr 30–May 7
One of the largest Asian American film festivals in the U.S. It provides major exposure for Asian diaspora creators in Hollywood’s backyard.
Beijing International Film Festival | TBA
China’s major state-backed international festival. It plays a strategic role in global co-productions and Chinese market access.
Golden Horse Fantastic Film Festival (Taipei) | TBA
A genre-focused offshoot of the Golden Horse Awards. It specializes in horror, fantasy, and cult cinema.
Singapore Chinese Film Festival | TBA
A festival dedicated to Chinese-language cinema in Southeast Asia. It reinforces Singapore’s role as a regional cultural bridge.
May 2026
Taiwan International Documentary Festival | May 1–10
One of Asia’s leading documentary festivals. It is highly regarded for curatorial rigor and regional documentary support.
UK Asian Film Festival (London) | May 1–10
The UK’s longest-running South Asian film festival. It has strong links to British-Asian cultural institutions.
CAAMFest (San Francisco) | May 7–10
The largest Asian American media festival in North America. It merges film, music, and digital storytelling.
Asian American Showcase (Chicago) | May 15–21
A Chicago-based festival highlighting Asian American cinema. It strengthens Midwest visibility for diaspora films.
Diaspora Film Festival (Incheon) | May 22–26
A South Korean festival focusing on migration and multicultural identity. It emphasizes transnational storytelling.
Big Eyes, Big Minds (Singapore) | May 24–June 6
An international children’s film festival with strong educational programming. It prioritizes youth-oriented global cinema.
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (Tokyo) | May 25–June 10
Asia’s most prominent short film festival and an Academy Awards–accredited event. It is vital for short-form filmmakers seeking global qualification.
Ginmaku Japanese Film Festival (Zurich) | May 26–31
A Swiss platform dedicated to Japanese cinema. It expands Japanese film reach within Europe.
Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival | May 27–31
A niche but respected festival focused on mountain culture, environment, and adventure cinema.
Seattle Asian American Film Festival | May 29–31
A Pacific Northwest hub for Asian American storytelling. It highlights regional diaspora voices.
Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival | May 29–June 14
A community-centered U.S. festival supporting AAPI filmmakers in the South.
Seoul International Senior Film Festival | TBA
A unique Korean festival celebrating films by and about senior citizens. It promotes age diversity in cinema.
June 2026
Bali International Film Festival | June 1–7
Indonesia’s leading international film festival. It blends tourism appeal with Southeast Asian cinema promotion.
Korea Queer Film Festival | June 1–30
South Korea’s longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival. It plays a crucial role in queer visibility within Korean society.
Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection (Frankfurt) | June 2–7
The world’s largest Japanese film festival outside Japan. It is central to European access to contemporary Japanese cinema.
KASHISH Pride Film Festival (Mumbai) | June 3–7
India’s leading LGBTQ+ film festival. It provides a rare mainstream platform for queer South Asian narratives.
Changing Climate, Changing Lives (Bangkok) | June 5–14
A thematic festival centered on environmental issues. It bridges cinema with climate activism.
Seoul International Eco Film Festival | June 5–30
South Korea’s major environmental film event. It merges sustainability advocacy with film culture.
Japan Film Fest Hamburg | June 17–21
A Germany-based showcase of Japanese cinema. It strengthens Japan–Europe film exchange.
Austin Asian American Film Festival | June 24–28
A Texas-based festival supporting Asian American filmmakers in emerging media hubs.
Shanghai International Film Festival | TBA
China’s most internationally visible film festival. It serves as a gateway into the mainland Chinese market.
Seoul Human Rights Film Festival | TBA
An activist-driven Korean festival focusing on social justice and civil rights. It prioritizes advocacy over glamour.
