The jury members for this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival met to discuss the important role that film festivals play in discovering emerging filmmakers. The jury is led by renowned Hong Kong actor Tony Leung and includes other internationally recognized cinema figures. At the meeting, members highlighted how festivals can uncover new directors and preserve the theatrical viewing experience.
Ildiko Enyedi, a Hungarian director on the jury, said festivals are vital allies to filmmakers. She noted they work hard to find promising but lesser known talents. While spotlighting established names may be easier, Enyedi believes the real value is in identifying hidden talents. She said this delicate search process shares the truth of filmmakers’ work.
The diverse jury also includes French-Italian actress Chiara Mastroianni, Hong Kong director Johnny To, and Japanese actor Hashimoto Ai. As jury president, Leung praised the festival’s broad approach to cinema. He said it embraces emerging directors, women in the industry, and retrospective looks at history. However, he initially worried about leading discussions as an academic.
Enyedi feels emotional reactions should come before analysis. She explained films first impact viewers through their senses and feelings, then their minds. Cultural knowledge helps articulate these instinctive responses. Mastroianni favored festivals for their community atmosphere. People can discover the unique experience of watching movies in a theater surrounded by other audience members.
To advocated an unbiased viewing style based on his festival jury experience. In the past, expectations often led to disappointment, but now he prefers a more intuitive approach. The jury underscored how major festivals both maintain prestige and uncover new storytellers. Their discussion highlighted the ongoing importance of film festivals and theatrical showings in today’s film industry.