Tokyo International Film Festival: A new chapter in women’s empowerment
A groundbreaking initiative
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to introduce its inaugural Women’s Empowerment section. This year’s festival will also spotlight the works of acclaimed director Irie Yu in its Nippon Cinema Now segment.
A step towards inclusivity
Asian film festivals have traditionally lagged behind their North American and European counterparts in integrating principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. However, in 2021, TIFF became the first Asian film festival to align with an international organization dedicated to promoting gender equality in the film industry.
The festival’s new Women’s Empowerment section aims to further this commitment by celebrating women’s achievements and expanding the horizons of future cinema. Co-hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, this section will feature films directed by female filmmakers or those focusing on female-centric narratives. Seven titles are expected to be showcased in this inaugural year.
A voice for change
Andrijana Cvetkovikj, the first Macedonian ambassador to Japan and a former jury member of the Amazon Prime Video Take One Award at the 34th TIFF in 2021, will serve as the senior programmer for the Women’s Empowerment section.
“For years, screen representation has been limited by a predominantly male perspective, missing a fuller range of experiences. However, with advancements in digital technology, filmmaking has become more accessible, leading to a surge in female directors, writers, and protagonists. This year’s Tokyo IFF program highlights these emerging voices, celebrating their diverse stories and contributions to cinema,” said Cvetkovikj.
In addition to film screenings, the section will host a symposium and screening talk sessions, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on gender issues in the film industry.
Celebrating Irie Yu’s contributions
The Nippon Cinema Now segment, regarded as an essential showcase of recent Japanese features for international participants, will highlight five films by Irie Yu:
- 8000 Miles: SR Saitama’s Rapper (2009)
- 8000 Miles 2: Girls Rapper (2010)
- Roadside Fugitive (2012)
- The Sun (2016)
- A Girl Named Ann (2024)
“Irie Yu has consistently released exciting films while moving between independent films and major studio productions, and he is recognized as one of the key figures shaping the future of Japanese cinema. With the release of his masterpiece ‘A Girl Named Ann,’ which marks a significant milestone in his career, we have curated this feature not only to celebrate his accomplishments to date but also to help pave the way for his well-deserved recognition abroad,” said Tokyo IFF programmer Ichiyama Shozo.
Festival details
The festival will run from October 28 to November 6, with its accompanying TIFFCOM rights market scheduled for October 30 to November 1, 2024. The bulk of the festival’s lineup will be unveiled in late September.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, the introduction of the Women’s Empowerment section is a significant and much-needed step towards inclusivity. It’s heartening to see a major film festival like TIFF taking concrete actions to promote gender equality. The selection of films directed by women or focusing on female narratives will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and stories to the forefront.
Irie Yu’s inclusion in the Nippon Cinema Now segment is equally exciting. His ability to navigate between independent and major studio productions while consistently delivering compelling stories makes him a pivotal figure in Japanese cinema. The curated selection of his films offers a comprehensive look at his journey and contributions to the industry.
For those interested in exploring these films, I highly recommend checking out the trailers and information pages linked above. These resources provide a deeper understanding of the films and the creative minds behind them.
the Tokyo International Film Festival’s initiatives this year promise to be a celebration of diverse voices and groundbreaking cinema. Whether you’re a fan of thought-provoking narratives or innovative filmmaking, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.