Japan Will Hold A 4-Day Animation Festival Entirely in An Airport

This fall, the island of Hokkaido, Japan will present the first-ever animation festival to take place entirely in an airport. The New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival will make use of the Hokkaido airport’s well-equipped facilities, including its 377-seat movie theater with 3D capabilities. Other events will take place at the airport assembly hall, hotel, and open-air spa. New Chitose ranks as Japan’s third-busiest airport so expect a few weary travelers to join in the fun too.

The New Chitose Airport festival takes place between October 31 and November 3. The festival’s honorary chairman is legendary Japanese indie filmmaker Taku Furukawa, and the chief of the international jury is Chris Robinson, who is the artistic director of the Ottawa International Animation Festival. The deadline to submit a film is June 23. For details on how to submit, visit the festival website.