24/10/2011

Japan's Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, came out to open the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival (October 22-30th) on Saturday, alongside a slew of European films stars, including the British director Paul W.S. Anderson, and the German producer Martin Moscowicz, who took the stage to present their opening night film, The Three Musketeers [+see also:
trailer
film profile], alongside star Mila Jovovich.

Several European films will be competing in Tokyo and will be judged by an international jury, including the Dutch-producer Kees Kasander.

Among the European titles in competition are Rodrigo Garcia's Albert Nobbs [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], which is set in 19th century Dublin; the classroom drama Detachment by British director Tony Kaye and Michael Winterbottom's Trishna [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Freida Pinto and Michael Wi…
interview: Riz Ahmed
film profile], an Indian-set adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel, Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

The TIFFCOM market arm of the festival is also welcoming a number of British television companies for the first time this year, in order to step up collaboration between European and Japanese television channels.

“As you all know, we had a terrible tragedy on March 11th, the Great East Japan Earthquake, yet we had so much warm support from all over the world,” said Prime Minister Noda, at the opening night ceremony in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills.

“Amongst that, of course, we also had a lot of support from the European film industry as well as from Asia, which was led by Mr. Jackie Chan himself. I, representing the government of Japan, wish to humbly thank you,” he added. Chan was on stage to present his film 1911, as a special opening night screening.

Added Noda: “I think that the significance of a film festival is that we can be moved together and transcend borders. I hope that the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival will serve as a means to move and touch the people around the world.”

The key sections of the festival include “Winds of Asia-Middle East,” “Japanese Eyes,” World Cinema,” and 'natural TIFF.”

Highlights include special screenings in Sendai for the earthquake victims in the hard-hit region, and a number of films, which look at the disaster and its impact, including “Tokyo Drifter.”