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Program Lineup Announced for 36th Tokyo International Film Festival

  • By Deryl Tan
  • Sep 6, 2023
  • 2 min read
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The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) today announced its complete and highly anticipated lineup for the main International Competition section, showcasing 15 compelling feature films from around the world. Alongside these selections, the festival proudly revealed the esteemed members of its International Competition Jury, who will determine the winners of the prestigious Tokyo Grand Prix and other top awards.


The 36th TIFF is set to run from October 23 to November 1, 2023, transforming the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area into a vibrant cinematic hub. This year's edition promises an immersive experience, featuring a diverse array of films and engaging events.


In total, 219 films will be screened across the festival's various sections, an increase from the previous year, highlighting TIFF's expanding scope.


Selected from 1,942 submissions from 114 countries and regions, the 15 films in the International Competition represent a rich tapestry of global storytelling. These films will vie for the festival's highest honors, including the Tokyo Grand Prix.


The films competing are:

  • "(Ab)normal Desire" (Japan) directed by Kishi Yoshiyuki

  • "Air" (Russia) directed by Alexey German Jr.

  • "Blind at Heart" (Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg) directed by Barbara Albert

  • "Dwelling by the West Lake" (China) directed by Gu Xiaogang

  • "A Foggy Paradise" (Japan) directed by Kotsuji Yohei

  • "Gondola" (Germany, Georgia) directed by Veit Helmer

  • "The Gospel of the Beast" (Philippines) directed by Sheron Dayoc

  • "A Long Shot" (China) directed by Gao Peng

  • "The Persian Version" (United States) directed by Maryam Keshavarz

  • "Roxana" (Iran) directed by Parviz Shahbazi

  • "Sermon to the Birds" (Azerbaijan) directed by Hilal Baydarov

  • "The Settlers" (Chile, Argentina, Netherlands) directed by Felipe Gálvez

  • "Snow Leopard" (China) directed by Pema Tseden

  • "Tatami" (Georgia, United States) directed by Guy Nattiv, Zar Amir Ebrahimi

  • "Who Were We?" (Japan) directed by Tomina Tetsuya


In addition to the competitive sections, the 36th TIFF presents a robust program across several other categories:

  • Asian Future: This competitive section features 10 films, all world premieres, from emerging Asian directors.

  • Gala Selection: Showcasing 14 of the latest films ahead of their Japanese release.

  • Animation: A revitalized section featuring 9 topical films from Japan and abroad, along with a retrospective.

  • Nippon Cinema Now: Presenting 10 new and recent Japanese films, including a special focus on director Jojo Hideo's works.

  • World Focus: Highlighting notable works from various international film festivals.

  • Japanese Classics: Featuring 18 digitally restored films, including a tribute to Yasujiro Ozu.


This year, the International Competition Jury will be led by renowned German filmmaker, writer, and photographer Wim Wenders, celebrated for his iconic works such as Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire. He will be joined by:


  • Albert Serra (Spanish Director): An acclaimed filmmaker known for his distinctive and often provocative works, with films like Pacifiction premiering at major festivals.

  • KUNIZANE Mizue (Japanese Producer): A veteran producer who has worked on numerous significant Japanese productions, including those by director Shohei Imamura.

  • Tran Thi Bich Ngoc (Vietnamese Producer): A highly respected producer in Asian cinema, known for her contributions to acclaimed films.

  • Zhao Tao (Chinese Actress): An internationally recognized actress, a frequent collaborator with director Jia Zhangke, and a recipient of numerous acting awards.


The 36th TIFF anticipates a vibrant and insightful festival, celebrating the power of cinema and fostering connections among filmmakers and audiences worldwide.


Official Festival Website: https://2023.tiff-jp.net/en/


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