| 2026-10-15 | | | Open Call to Apply for Yamagata Documentary Dojo 8 |
The Yamagata Documentary Dojo is a creative retreat where Asian filmmakers develop their documentary works-in-progress. Filmmakers are invited to reside in a hot spring village amidst the mountains of Yamagata, Japan, using the retreat as an opportunity to review their work from new perspectives. The program begins with a presentation workshop and mentoring sessions, after which filmmakers settle in, engage with the local community, and are allowed focused time and space to reflect deeply on their projects.
The Dojo is organized in cooperation with the YIDFF. Over 20 films have been completed by fellows from the past seven editions, many which were selected to major film festivals and distributed theatrically in Japan.
Yamagata Documentary Dojo 8
- Dates: February 5–March 3, 2027 (27 days)
Stay: 24 nights in Hijiori Onsen, Yamagata / 2 nights in Yamagata City
- Open Call for Fellows:
- (a) One to two teams of 2 Asian-based filmmakers (director/editor, director/producer, etc)
(b) One team of Japan-based filmmakers
- * Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2026 (20:00 Japan time) through this form:
https://forms.gle/y8aztjdu361qYqiH9
- [Organized by] Documentary Dream Center (Director: FUJIOKA Asako)
- [Supported by]
- The Japan Foundation / Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia [WA2.0]
- [With the Assistance of] YIDFF (NPO) and other partners
- [Contact] e-mail: info@ddcenter.org (Documentary Dream Center)
For more information 
Documentary Dream Center Website: Application to Yamagata Documentary Dojo 8