Komono Hometown Film Workshop: 10th Edition (Mie, Japan)

The Komono Hometown Film Workshop (菰野ふるさと映画塾) is running its 10th edition from June 26 to 28, 2026 at Hotel Yunomoto in Yunoyama Onsen, Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Over three intensive days, participants work together to plan, shoot, and edit a 10-minute short film. The workshop is led by director Naoki Segi (瀬木直貴), a filmmaker from Yokkaichi City who has guided the program since its founding in 2013.

The format is deliberately rapid and collaborative. As workshop director Yutaka Mori described during the recent retrospective screening, "Over three days, participants make a 10-minute short. The first day is chaotic, but by the final day they've become one team." Past editions have produced 15 works, several of which were filmed in local neighborhoods with residents in on-screen roles, strengthening ties between the program and the community.

The three-day schedule includes: Day 1 opening ceremony, project and script meetings, and location scouting; Day 2 filming and video editing; Day 3 sound editing, screening, and closing ceremony.

The program is open to anyone aged 16 and up. No prior experience is required, though minors need parental consent. Capacity is 15 participants, with priority given to first-time attendees. Participation fees are 44,000 yen for general attendees and 39,000 yen for students, which includes two nights of lodging and meals.

This is a strong opportunity for aspiring screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, and performers interested in developing collaborative filmmaking skills in a rural Japanese setting. The workshop also suits community-minded filmmakers interested in place-based, resident-participatory narrative practice.