'Snow Leopard' Takes Top Prize at 36th Tokyo International Film Festival
- By Deryl Tan
- Nov 1, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 23

The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) drew to a successful close, marking the culmination of 10 days of cinematic discovery and cultural exchange. Held from October 23 to November 1, 2023, the festival showcased an impressive program of 219 films across its various sections, attracting 74,841 admissions and an additional 73,081 attendees at related events.
The Closing Ceremony, a highlight of the festival, celebrated the achievements of filmmakers from around the world and announced the winners of this year's prestigious awards.
The International Competition Jury, led by acclaimed German filmmaker Wim Wenders, honored the following films and individuals:
Tokyo Grand Prix: "Snow Leopard" (China) directed by Pema Tseden.
Special Jury Prize: "Tatami" (Georgia, United States) directed by Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi.
Award for Best Director: Kishi Yoshiyuki for "(Ab)normal Desire" (Japan).
Award for Best Actress: Zar Amir-Ebrahimi for "Tatami."
Award for Best Actor: Yasna Mirtahmasb for "Roxana" (Iran).
Award for Best Artistic Contribution: "A Long Shot" (China) directed by Gao Peng.
Audience Award: "(Ab)normal Desire" (Japan) directed by Kishi Yoshiyuki, a favorite among festival attendees.
Asian Future Section Award
Asian Future Best Film Award: "Fly Me to the Moon" (Hong Kong) directed by Sasha Chuk, recognizing outstanding new talent in Asian cinema.
The 36th TIFF provided a vital platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences and industry professionals, reaffirming its commitment to enriching global film culture. The increased attendance figures reflect the growing enthusiasm for cinema in Tokyo and beyond.
Official Festival Website: https://2023.tiff-jp.net/en/
Award Winners Page: https://2023.tiff-jp.net/news/en/?p=18666