Outdoor Film Festival “AREA UNITE 2026” Confirmed to Be Held at Hakuba GORYU!
It has been officially decided that the hands-on outdoor film festival “AREA UNITE 2026,” celebrating its 4th year, will take place over two days on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Hakuba GORYU.
While the event was previously based in Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture, this 4th edition marks a new challenge as it moves its stage to a ski resort in the Hakuba area for the first time.
■Snow Films on a Giant Screen & “5 Interactive Experiences”
A giant 300-inch outdoor screen will be set up at the base of the “Toomi Slope” in Hakuba GORYU. Dynamic snow film screenings will take place after sunset.
The concept of the event is to engage all five senses through five core elements: Film Screenings, Music, Art, Sports, and Food & Nature. During the final weekend of the green season—when Hakuba is wrapped in vibrant autumn foliage—snow communities and locals across all generations and genres will gather to share and celebrate their culture in a truly special environment.
■Evolution from Otari Village & Resonance with Hakuba GORYU
“AREA UNITE” was created in 2023 in Otari Village and has grown its fanbase year after year:
2023: 700 attendees (3days)
2024: 1,200 attendees (4days)
2025: 500 attendees (1day)
While a caravan concept to tour various regions existed from the beginning, this 4th edition brings the festival’s first collaboration with Hakuba GORYU, resonating deeply with its vision of “giving back to and connecting with the mountains, the region, and the people.”
By hosting the event at the easily accessible Hakuba GORYU, the festival aims to welcome local families and visitors from further afield alongside core snow fans, fostering a broader and newly united community (UNITE).
AREA UNITE 2026
Dates: Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, 2026
Doors Open: 11:00 AM– (Film screenings scheduled after sunset) ※ Held rain or shine
Venue: Hakuba GORYU Toomi Slope
Admission Fees:
Advance Tickets: ¥4,000 (2-day pass only / On sale through October 16)
Same-Day Tickets: 2-day pass: ¥4,500 / 1-day pass: ¥2,500
Ages 18 and under: Free
Official Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/areaunite_film_festival/
