The 22nd Tokyo International Film Festival takes place from 17 to 25 October, 2009
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), now in its 22nd year, takes place from 17 to 25 October at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills and Cinemart Roppongi. With Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (director of “Amores Perros,” “21 Grams” and “Babel”) as President of the International Competition Jury (including actress Mieko Harada, director/actor Jerzy Skolimowski, DoP Caroline Champetier, actor/director Yoo Ji Tae and director of Cinematheque Masamichi Matsumoto), the festival culminates in the bestowing of several awards, the most prestigious of which is the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix. The winning film will be screened on the last day of the festival. This year’s highlights include queer-themed “A Single Man” (USA – appearance by director and openly gay former Gucci designer Tom Ford), “Sideways” (Japanese remake – appearance by “Babel” actress Rinko Kikuchi and actor Fumiyo Kohinata), “Staten Island” (USA – appearance by director James DeMonaco), “The Trotsky” (Canada – appearance by director Jacob Tierney), “Manila Skies” (Philippines – appearance by director Raymond Red), “Road, Movie” (India/USA – appearance by director Dev Benegal) and “Eight Times Up” (France – appearance by director Xabi Molia and actress Julie Gayet). There will also be a special screening of footage from James Cameron’s latest venture “Avatar,” and the closing film is the long-awaited Pixar production “UP.”
All films have English/Japanese subtitles where necessary. “Walk-up Tickets” are available from the box office for every screening on the day from 10am up to screening time, but get their early to avoid disappointment. SJ makes its debut into the mainstream international culture world with this year’s TIFF, so “Stay on Top” and wait for our festival report and interviews!!
