Tokyo Jury Faces 15-Film Gauntlet After FIAPF Upgrade

Fifteen films will compete for the top prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival, a number that creates a specific logistical challenge for the jury tasked with selecting a single winner. The panel held its first public press conference on Tuesday, where members outlined their approach to the selection process.

Dutch-Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer, known for Bad Boy Bubby and The Tracker, serves as the jury president. He is joined by French colorist Yov Moor, South Korean producer Oh Jungwan, Japanese actress Makiko Watanabe, and Taiwanese-American producer Alex C. Lo. The group spent the session discussing both their individual roles and the collective dynamics of their decision-making process.

The conversation shifted to the festival's recent reclassification as an A-list event by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, or FIAPF. De Heer noted that the label does not fundamentally alter the festival's reputation among regular attendees. He stated that Tokyo has always functioned as an A-list venue in practice, even before the official designation was restored.

Oh Jungwan offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the tier system holds little weight for general audiences. She said viewers attend to watch films and enjoy the atmosphere, not to verify administrative rankings. De Heer responded that the importance of such categories varies by individual, a difference he described as acceptable.

Taiwanese-American producer Alex C. Lo pointed to two operational factors that sustain the festival's standing. He cited the quality of local hospitality and the intellectual curiosity of the audience as key assets. These traits, according to Lo, encourage filmmakers to submit original work to the competition.

The jury addressed the potential for disagreement over the final award. De Heer said the group will assess the level of division when the time comes. He expressed confidence that the five members can reach a consensus without settling for a compromise film that pleases no one. He aims to choose a strong film, even if it is not the personal favorite of every jury member.

Oh Jungwan recalled a previous experience where she debated a selection with another panel for seven hours. She joked that she hopes to avoid a similar duration of conflict with De Heer this year. Moor, a colorist who noted his profession is rarely represented on such juries, described his appointment as a personal dream. He said the role allows him to showcase the technical side of filmmaking to a wider group.