New Festival Initiatives
Tokyo International Film Festival Introduces Three New Global and Regional Initiatives
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The Kashiko Kawakita Award commemorates Kawakita Kashiko, known as “Madame Kawakita,” whose work bridged East and West: she introduced European films to Japan, promoted Japanese film preservation, helped establish the Japan Film Library Council and laid groundwork for the National Film Archive of Japan.
2
Hata Sahoko’s contribution included acquiring and bringing landmark French films such as À Bout de Souffle, Plein Soleil and Mon Oncle to Japan; she has also worked for decades as a journalist and critic.
3
CROSSCUT ASIA+ will use a collaborative programming model in which film programmers from Japan and Southeast Asia select each year’s lineup around a shared theme. The inaugural edition, titled “Side by Side,” was programmed by Jakarta-based programmer and visual artist Raslene and Waseda Shochiku program director Ueda Masayuki, with University of Michigan professor emeritus Markus Nornes as adviser.
4
The first CROSSCUT ASIA+ screenings will be accompanied by panel discussions organized by the two programmers, adding a discussion component to the film program.
5
TIFF Festival Director Hisamatsu Takeo said the new Nippon Cinema Now competition is intended not only to expose Japanese filmmakers to international audiences but also to give creators “the courage to take on their next challenge” and help them advance to the global stage.
The Tokyo International Film Festival is launching three major initiatives for its 39th edition this October, aiming to boost Japanese cinema globally and celebrate women's contributions to film culture. Tokyo International Film Festival will add competitive awards to its Nippon Cinema Now section, debut a new Southeast Asian cinema program called CROSSCUT ASIA+, and introduce the Kashiko Kawakita Award honoring women film pioneers.
The moves reflect TIFF's commitment to nurturing Japanese filmmakers and strengthening regional cinema connections. Festival Director Hisamatsu Takeo said the new Nippon Cinema Now competition aims to give creators "the courage to take on their next challenge" and help them reach the global stage.
Nippon Cinema Now Gets New Awards to Boost Japanese Filmmakers
The Nippon Cinema Now section will now feature Best Film and Special Jury Prize awards, judged by Japanese and international industry figures. Tokyo International Film Festival designed these competitions to increase global exposure for Japanese creators. The awards signal TIFF's push to help homegrown talent reach international audiences and secure funding for future projects.
CROSSCUT ASIA+ Revives Southeast Asian Film Program
TIFF is partnering with the Japan Foundation to launch CROSSCUT ASIA+, reviving an earlier program focused on contemporary and classic Southeast Asian cinema. Tokyo International Film Festival selected six films for the inaugural lineup under the theme "Side by Side," including Filipiñana, Four Seasons in Java, Becoming Human, Turang, Small Hours of the Night and Behind the Flickering Light: The Archive.
Programmers from Japan and Southeast Asia will collaborate each year to select films around a shared theme. Jakarta-based visual artist Raslene and Waseda Shochiku program director Ueda Masayuki chose this year's lineup, with University of Michigan professor emeritus Markus Nornes advising. Panel discussions will accompany the screenings.
New Kashiko Kawakita Award Honors Women Film Pioneers
Tokyo International Film Festival created the Kashiko Kawakita Award to recognize women who have advanced film culture. The award commemorates Kawakita Kashiko, known as "Madame Kawakita," who introduced European films to Japan, promoted film preservation, and helped establish the National Film Archive of Japan.
Critic Hata Sahoko received the inaugural award from an all-female committee. Hata spent decades as a journalist and critic while acquiring landmark French films like À Bout de Souffle, Plein Soleil and Mon Oncle for Japanese audiences. Her work bridged international cinema cultures, following Kawakita's pioneering legacy.
Festival Dates Set for Late October Through Early November
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival runs October 26 through November 4, 2026. All three initiatives debut at this edition, marking a significant expansion of TIFF's programming and mission.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
13
Articles
18
Reach
31
A
AnonymousAuthor
