The Tokyo International Film Festival kicks off Monday with a red carpet and opening ceremony, running for 10 days through Nov. 4 at major theaters in the Hibiya and Yurakucho districts of Tokyo. The program spans international competition, Asian cinema, animation and industry discussions on the future of film.
One of Asia's leading international film festivals, the Tokyo International Film Festival opens Monday in Japan's capital. Hollywood actor Cate Blanchett joins directors, actors and producers from around the world to present new works and debate the future of the film industry.
This year's festival runs Monday through Nov. 4, with screenings at major theaters in the Hibiya and Yurakucho areas of Tokyo. Programs include the international competition, Asia Future, Nippon Cinema Now, Gala Selection, animation and World Focus sections.
On the opening day, a red carpet event runs from 3 p.m. at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Step Square and Hibiya Nakadori, followed by the official opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at Hulic Hall Tokyo. A press preview of the film "Sukiyaki — Ue wo Muite Aruko" is also scheduled that morning.
On Tuesday, a press conference with the international competition jury will be held. Film director Rolf de Heer, Korean film producer Oh Jung-wan and Japanese actor Watanabe Makiko are among those expected to attend, sharing their judging criteria and views on the festival.
Also on Tuesday, the 17th Motion Picture Association seminar will take place at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall. Representatives from global entertainment industry players including The Hollywood Reporter and Netflix will gather to discuss content production, distribution and shifts in the film industry.
On Wednesday, the "Academy in Tokyo" event will bring together representatives from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor are among those expected to attend.
Among the most anticipated figures at this year's festival is Hollywood actor Cate Blanchett.
Blanchett will attend an event Friday related to the Displacement Film Fund, which supports filmmakers in need. The day begins with a photo call at Asahi Square, followed by a talk show at Hulic Hall Tokyo and a press conference at 3:15 p.m. at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall.
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof and Afghan director Shahrbanu Sadat are also expected to join the press conference. That evening, Blanchett will take part in events related to "Alpha Gang," a film she stars in and co-produced.
Programs spotlighting new Japanese films and directors are also on the schedule.
On Tuesday, a stage greeting for the film "Hamachi no Joou" (Queen of Hamachi) is planned, with actors Nagano Mei and Ito Kentaro among those attending. On Wednesday, a special theatrical screening of director Ueda Shinichiro's "Aisuru Chikyujin" (Beloved Earthling) will be followed by a conversation with the audience.
On Nov. 1, a stage greeting tied to "Godzilla -0.0" is scheduled, with actors Kamiki Ryunosuke and Hamabe Minami among the participants.
In the animation section, a special program highlighting the work of women directors has been organized. A symposium titled "Women Directors, Each Their Own World" will be held Nov. 1 at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall, with directors Nagaoka Chika, Watanabe Kotono and Yoshimura Ai among the participants.
Beyond film screenings, the festival has placed significant emphasis on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and advancing film education.
On Friday, the "Tokyo International Film Festival Film Education International Symposium 2026" will be held at the National Film Archive of Japan. Film education professionals from Japan and abroad will convene to discuss training educators and improving conditions for film education.
On Nov. 3, events marking the 10th anniversary of the festival's youth film classroom program will be held alongside an animation symposium.
That same day, a press conference and award ceremony for the Akira Kurosawa Award will take place at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Directors Omibo and Mohammad Rasoulof are among those expected to attend.
Programs aimed at expanding international exchange in Asian cinema are also drawing attention. The Asia Future and CROSSCUT ASIA+ sections will showcase works by emerging directors and producers from across Asia. Special programs on Taiwanese cinema and events related to Asian student films are also planned.
This year's festival will go beyond production and distribution to address a broad range of issues, including cultural diversity, film archive preservation, support for creators and the impact of AI on the audiovisual industry.
The Tokyo International Film Festival has established itself as a key event promoting Japanese cinema abroad and fostering international exchange among Asian filmmakers. This year, it is again expected to serve as a global meeting ground for the film world, through screenings, red carpets, industry seminars and conversations between directors, actors and audiences.
sjkim@heraldcorp.com
