Tokyo International Film Festival Announces Major 2023 Plans
Short Summary:
Tokyo International Film Festival is set to unveil its most expansive edition since 2019, with a larger program and a significant increase in international guests. Chairman Hiroyasu Ando highlights three key priorities: expanding the festival's scope, creating a more festive atmosphere, and fostering closer ties with Asian filmmakers and festivals.
The Tokyo International Film Festival is preparing for its most extensive event since 2019, with a remarkable surge in both film numbers and guest participation. Under the guidance of festival chairman Hiroyasu Ando, the 36th edition is set to prioritize three key areas. Firstly, a significant increase in the program size, featuring 219 films and over 600 international guests compared to the 174 films and 100 guests in 2022. Noteworthy personalities such as actor Tony Leung and filmmakers Tran Anh Hung, Aleksey German Jr, Veit Helmer, Jia Zhangke, Kelly Reichardt, and Wim Wenders will be in attendance.
Secondly, efforts are being made to cultivate a more celebratory ambiance with the reintroduction of the opening party and collaborative screenings with various Tokyo venues, including the Japan National Film Archive and the Marunouchi Building.
Lastly, the festival is emphasizing closer ties with Asian filmmakers and festivals, with more than 60% of this year's films and over half of the international guests hailing from Asia. Initiatives include a masterclass for film students from various Asian countries and a substantial increase in the number of Chinese films featured. Additionally, the animation section has expanded to include international feature films, aiming to foster a more interconnected global animation community.