The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has implemented several new initiatives aiming to promote greater international collaboration and diversity at its 37th edition this year. Festival chair Ando Hirayasu unveiled strategic changes that expand the event’s global connections and foster discussion around gender issues in the film industry.
At the core of these changes is relocating the TIFF Lounge, the festival’s main networking hub, to the more accessible Lexus Meets venue. This move intends to facilitate meaningful interactions between Japanese and international filmmakers, according to Ando. In an interview with Variety, Ando said restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic made networking difficult, but the new venue will now enable genuine engagement.
Additionally, TIFF launched a Women’s Empowerment section built upon becoming the first Asian film festival to adopt the Collectif 50/50 gender parity pledge in 2021. Ando said this new program will showcase movies focusing on women’s accomplishments and host a symposium to consider a wider range of voices on gender equality industry-wide.
These expansion efforts come as Japanese cinema gains greater worldwide recognition, with films like “Shoplifters,” “Drive My Car,” and “How Do You Live?” earning global praise in recent years. Television shows such as “Shogun” have also increased Japan’s cultural profile internationally. Riding this momentum, TIFFCOM—the festival’s market segment—started the Tokyo Story Market to facilitate adapting Japanese literature for screens.
The festival also reaffirms its commitment to nurturing up-and-coming talent through educational initiatives like the TIFF Teens Meet Cinema workshop and an international symposium on film education. A masterclass led by renowned director Kurosawa Kiyoshi aims to benefit Asian film students.
While expressing optimism for TIFF’s role in showcasing Japanese cinema globally, Ando acknowledged challenges like improving production conditions, expanding a film’s international reach, and navigating streaming platforms. He affirmed the festival strives to help overcome such issues. Ultimately, Ando hopes TIFF can inspire rediscovery of Japan’s film charm worldwide and deeper cultural exchange through cinema.