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“UPSIDE – DOWN GENIUS,” directed by Ryotaro Nishi of TYO’s creative team WHOAREYOU, has received the Japan Best Short Award / Governor of Tokyo Award in the Live Action Competition (Japan Category) at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2025. As a result, the film is now eligible for nomination in the Short Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, to be held next year.
SSFF & ASIA is officially recognized by the Academy Awards and is one of Asia’s largest international short film festivals originating in Japan. In its 27th edition this year, the festival received 4,592 submissions from 108 countries and regions worldwide, including 218 entries in the Japan Category.
At the award ceremony held on June 11, winners were announced and honored across a range of categories, including the Best Short Awards in the Live Action Competitions (International, Asia International, and Japan), Animation, and Non-Fiction, as well as the George Lucas Award (Grand Prix), which is eligible for Academy Award consideration.
Director: Ryotaro Nishi(WHOAREYOU)
Procduction: FIELD MANAGEMENT EXPAND
Dr. Noboru Sakai was a genius, but an odd one who, for some reason, always conducted his research hanging upside-down. One day, a new secretary named Margaret arrives at his laboratory. Claiming to be “perfect,” she begins a strange life alongside the “upside-down genius” doctor.
Upside Down Genius is a wonderfully original and playful short film that truly showcases the potential of the format. Its focus on visual illusion is fresh and thought-provoking, sparking curiosity and encouraging repeat viewings—some even found themselves flipping their screens upside down the second time around. The film immerses the viewer in a unique world, and despite its quirky premise, it maintains a strong sense of balance in storytelling, direction, and design. The art direction and overall production efforts were especially noteworthy. Among all the entries, this film stood out with the strongest impact, delivering a perfect blend of creativity, humor, and technical skill. A standout work that leaves a lasting impression.
Director’s profile
Ryotaro Nishi
Born in 1997 in Fukuoka, Japan.
Began making films as a student and received numerous accolades, including an Excellence Award at the Asian International Youth Film Festival (AIYFF).
Joined the Japanese production company TYO Inc. in 2020.
Following a group-wide organizational restructure, worked in the Creative Department of FIELD MANAGEMENT EXPAND Inc., a fellow company within the KANAMEL Group, before transferring to TYO WHOAREYOU in 2025.
Specializing in science fiction, comedy, and gimmick-driven storytelling, pursuing innovative visual expressions through VFX and other techniques.
https://tyo.co.jp/people/ryotaro-nishi/
Awards and Recognitions for This Work:
・ADFEST 2024 / Fabulous Five COMMENDATION (Top Award) & POPULAR VOTE (Audience Award)
・6th Cyclope Asia / Winner of NEW TALENT IN DIRECTION Category (Highest Award)
・LA Shorts International Film Festival / Best Experimental Film Award
・Young Director Award 2024 / Short Film Category Shortlist
・8th Shibuya Sasebo TANPEN Film Festival / Golden Burger Award, Director’s Award, and Sasebo Base Award
・19th Sapporo International Short Film Festival (SAPPORO SHORT FEST 2024) Official Selection
・Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival / International Short Film Competition / Selected
・Tsukuba Short Movie Competition 2025 / Grand Prix
・25th Nippon Connection Film Festival / Screening