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June 10, 2015
An expert's guide: Introduction to the Tokyo International Film Festival for beginners (Part 1)
Make Your International Film Festival Debut This Year!
The 27th Tokyo International Film Festival Opens on Thursday, October 23
An Expert's Guide to the Tokyo International Film Festival for Beginners (Part 1)
This year, the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) kicks off on Thursday, October 23. With a lineup featuring director Takeshi Kitano and Tim Burton, who are scheduled to appear at the SAMURAI AWARD ceremony, there are numerous opportunities to catch a glimpse of the glamorous guests walking the red carpet. For OPENERS readers who have been interested but haven't yet made it to the festival, Yoshihiko Yatabe, the programming director for the competition section, offers his advice for a first-time festival experience. He introduces 10 carefully selected films, highlighting their appeal by genre.
Text by YATABE Yoshihiko
Edited by WATANABE Reiko (OPENERS)
Once You Pick a Film, Dare to Try a New Genre
With a little preparation and the right mindset, anyone can approach something new with confidence. Mr. Yatabe offers this advice to OPENERS readers aiming for their first film festival experience this year.
"The Tokyo International Film Festival screens all kinds of films. From entertainment to art-house, we feature works from around the world, including Japan, Europe, America, and Asia. If you take a close look at the lineup on our official website, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.
My advice is to see at least two films! Start with one you're interested in, and then choose another that's a type of film you would normally never watch, or perhaps from a country you know nothing about. You'll definitely discover something new. A film festival is also a place for new discoveries, so I encourage you to broaden your horizons.
Furthermore, at the festival, directors and actors sometimes appear in person before the screening to greet the audience, or there's a Q&A session after the film where they answer questions from the audience. This is something unique to film festivals, not found in regular theatrical releases, so please enjoy this special atmosphere."
Japan's Representative in the Competition Section! Rie Miyazawa Stars in 'Pale Moon'
A Heartwarming Human Drama from Northern Europe: '1001 Grams'
Mr. Yatabe Selects 10 Films Across All Genres for OPENERS Readers!
Following his advice on how to enjoy the festival, we now present 10 films carefully selected by Mr. Yatabe by genre for OPENERS readers, chosen from the 'Competition,' 'Asia Future,' and 'World Focus' sections.
"From the Competition section, for first-time attendees, I recommend'1001 Grams'. It's a Norwegian film, a warm human drama depicting the process of a shy researcher breaking out of her shell through a business trip to Paris. The setting is unique, and there are many scenes that will make you laugh; it's recommended for dates or for women to watch together.
For action fans, I recommend the French film'Marseille Connection', a drama based on true events about the conflict between the Marseille mafia and the prosecution. And for those who want to see a thrilling psychological drama, you will definitely love'Melbourne'."
For those interested in art films, you'll be amazed by'Experiments on the Grassland', with its stunningly beautiful and unique visuals. Also, don't miss'Pale Moon', which features a superb performance by Rie Miyazawa.
In the 'Asia Future' section, which gathers promising talent from Asia, I recommend films like the recent hit from the Philippines,'Above the Clouds', and'The Last Reel', which traces Cambodia's turbulent modern history. Also, pay attention to the unique world of'Manga My Life', Japan's representative in this section."
In the 'World Focus' section, the exquisite romantic comedy'She's Funny That Way'is enjoyable for all ages. For those who want to see something absolutely unique to the film festival, how about trying'The Beginning of Time'? It's a 5-and-a-half-hour screening!"
An Exquisite Romantic Comedy for All Ages: 'She's Funny That Way'
The Quintessential Film Festival Experience? The 5.5-Hour Epic 'The Beginning of Time'
Based on Mr. Yatabe's advice, why not start by thoroughly exploring the film lineup on the festival's official website and then embark on a new adventure at the 'International Film Festival'?
Next time, coinciding with the opening of the Tokyo International Film Festival on Thursday, October 23, we will focus on the special feature,'The Museum of Modern Art, New York Film Collection'. With further guidance from our expert, we plan to introduce five particularly noteworthy films. Stay tuned.
Yoshihiko Yatabe
Born in Paris, France, and raised in Switzerland. He worked at the Industrial Bank of Japan (now Mizuho Bank). After retiring, he was involved in film distribution and promotion, as well as producing documentary films and managing the French Film Festival. He then joined the Tokyo International Film Festival, overseeing the selection of films. Concurrently, he served as the programming director for the 'Japanese Eyes' section. As a long-standing staff member of the festival, he became the programming director for the 'Competition' section in 2007.
The 27th Tokyo International Film Festival
Dates: October 23 (Thursday) - October 31 (Friday)
Venues: TOHO CINEMAS Roppongi Hills, TOHO CINEMAS Nihonbashi, Kabuki-za
Screening Sections: Competition, Special Invitation Films, World Focus, Asia Future, The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA #2: Charm of Thai Cinema, Japanese Eyes, Hideaki Anno's World
Special Collaboration Project: The Museum of Modern Art, New York Film Collection
*Tickets are now on sale at ticket board
For details, visit the official website: http://2014.tiff-jp.net/ja/