The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) will open with a full red carpet for the first time in three years as the event appears to be bouncing back from two relatively subdued editions held during the pandemic.
Fest President Hiroyasu Ando told a press conference that he expected around 100 foreign guests and participants to attend. A very limited number of visitors made the trip for the last two events.
The Japanese government has maintained tighter restrictions at its borders for longer than most other countries and a daily limit of 50,000 incoming travelers currently remains in place. Further easing is expected as the festival unfolds, with a parliamentary discussion on border controls scheduled for tomorrow.
TIFF will also relaunch the Kurosawa Akira Award, given to filmmakers for their contributions to world cinema, after a 14-year hiatus. Previous recipients are Steven Spielberg, Yamada Yoji and Chen Kaige.
Kurosawa is “not only Japan’s most famous filmmaker”, but also “a symbol of the ties between the film industries of Japan and the rest of the world”, Ando said, explaining why the award was revived.
Screenings of 110 films, up about a third from last year, selected from nearly 1,700 entries, will take place around the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Ginza-Marunouchi area, where it moved last year. last after a long time at the Roppongi Hills resort.
Asia and the Middle East benefit from a strong representation in the competition, with 10 of the 15 films selected, including eight world premieres, either from the region or in co-production with countries from this part of the world. .
Jury president Julie Taymor will be joined by Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung, Portuguese director Joao Pedro Rodrigues, Frenchwoman Marie-Christine de Navacelle and local cinematographer Katsumi Yanagijima.
The gala selection will include 16 films from around the world, including Japanese premieres by Olivia Wilde don’t worry darling and David O. Russell amsterdamwith the previously announced opening of Takahisa Zeze Fragments of the Last Will and the closing film by Oliver Hermanus Living.
Ten films from Asia and the Middle East, all world premieres, will be screened in the Asian Future category for up-and-coming directors, while anime will once again be celebrated with a mix of new and classic works.
Actress Ai Hashimoto will be the festival’s ambassador for the second consecutive year.
“If I could have the audacity to voice my hopes for the festival, it would be that it become a beacon for all avid film buffs who are compelled to make films despite the difficult situations they face and who strive to change the situation even a little while still choosing to continue making movies,” Hashimoto said.
TIFF Lounge events during the festival, which will also welcome foreign guests, will include sessions featuring directors Tsai Ming-liang, Koji Fukada and Milcho Manchevski. Meanwhile, Genki Kawamura – producer of the anime megahit your name including the first film a hundred flowers is in theaters now – will appear in two special chat sessions.
TIFF will run from October 24 to November 2, with the TIFFCOM Content Market taking place online from October 25 to 27.