This is Me

This is Me is an AI animated short by Japanese creator Marika Hirata, running 10 minutes. The Short Shorts Film Festival's official listing says the film weaves fantasy and reality to show a changing gender identity and the gap that opens when society asks for a "clear identity". The listing credits voice actors Takuto Yoshinaga, Ryota Osaka and Yu Kobayashi. The festival's official upload names it Best AI Animation at WAIFF 2026 in Kyoto, Japan. The list published by the Alpes-Maritimes department also shows it as a finalist in the Animation section of WAIFF Cannes 2026. The AI tools used aren't stated.

Who it's for:viewers curious how AI animation can tell a story about personal identity and social expectations.

Before you watch: the full film is on the official YouTube channel of WAIFF Japan. The Short Shorts online screening has ended. Spoken language and subtitles aren't stated. We haven't watched the whole film.

Based on the Short Shorts festival listing, the WAIFF official upload and the finalist list. Watch the film itself for the full picture.