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Filmmaker: Tokyo Fest's A-List Status is Mostly Redundant
27 Oct
Summary
- Filmmaker Rolf de Heer believes Tokyo's A-list status changes little.
- FIAPF now officially designates 17 festivals as A-list.
- Jury will select Tokyo Grand Prix from 15 competition titles.
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival's jury president, filmmaker Rolf de Heer, commented on the recent FIAPF designation of A-list festivals. He suggested that while the official classification might aid in securing films, Tokyo has long been recognized as a premier festival, making the change largely nominal. The international federation of film producers' associations (FIAPF) has consolidated its accreditation into a single A-list, recognizing 17 festivals globally.
Producer Oh Jungwan echoed de Heer's sentiment, stating that festival audiences prioritize the cinematic experience over official rankings. The jury, composed of international film professionals, is tasked with selecting the Tokyo Grand Prix from 15 competing films. The festival is scheduled to run until November 4. De Heer also discussed the prospects for Australia-Japan film co-productions, noting they are most viable when a story naturally requires shooting in both countries, rather than purely financial arrangements.
Discussions within the jury regarding film selection are expected to be collaborative, with the aim of choosing a compelling film rather than a mere compromise. Jury members, including Japanese actor Watanabe Makiko and producer Alex Lo, are expected to engage in rigorous deliberation to determine the festival's top award.
