Now that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, the world is facing a new normal.
So is the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). We are re-evaluating how films can contribute to society in this new era.
As our first festival after the pandemic this year, we have more theaters and films to screen at the venues we moved to last year, which are the headquarters in the Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza areas. There are also a rich variety of events for all to enjoy at the venues.
What's new this year is the venue for the opening ceremony, the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater with a red carpet that leads to the venue. In addition, the Kurosawa Akira Award is excitingly returning this year.
With the easing of COVID-19 border control requirements in Japan, more visitors are expected to come from abroad. It is wonderful that we are making progress in our goal next year, "to strengthen the fellowship among film professionals around the world."
I truly hope that many people will come to the festival. Please join us at TIFF to consider all our ideas and discuss the films’ bright future.
Ando Hiroyasu
Chairman
35th Tokyo International Film Festival
Ando Hiroyasu was born in 1944. After graduating from the University of Tokyo in 1970, he entered Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After serving as a diplomat in the US, the Philippines and the UK, he served as the Private Secretary for the Prime Minister, the Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Japan in the US, the Director-General in charge of Middle East and African Affairs, the Ambassador of the Consulate General of Japan in New York, the Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Ambassador to Italy. As President of the Japan Foundation from October 2011 to September 2020, Ando's focus was on international cultural exchange. In 2019, he was appointed to Chairman of the Tokyo International Film Festival.
