TOYOTA Earth Grand Prix

Overall comment by Mr. Yukichi Shinada (Jury of TOYOTA Earth Grand Pix)

The 12 films nominated for the Toyota Earth Grand Prix were from a range of countries around the world. The theme of each of the films was just as diverse and every one of them being extremely appealing, we very much wanted to award other additional prizes. The two films selected for the Toyota Earth Grand Prix powerfully, yet poetically, enveloped the issues involved in coexisting with nature which was positively recognized by many people. As well, the other films were truly enjoyable and thought-provoking which is why it is for certain that Toyota Earth Grand Prix will see many more remarkable and fulfilling films in the future. Thank you.

TOYOTA Earth Grand Prix: The Mirror Never Lies (Director: Kamila Andini)

TOYOTA Earth Grand Prix Special Jury Prize: Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (Director: Werner Herzog / Dmitry Vasyukov)

Winds of Asia-Middle East

Comments by Philip Cheah (Jury of Winds of Asia- Middle East)

Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film Award: Trespassers (Director: Jeffrey Jeturian)

For its dramatic narrative treatment, which in one night, unfolds both a family’s and a nation’s post-colonial history, and also manages to deliver a scathing criticism of religious hypocrisy.　The jury applauds the Cinemalaya Film Festival and its funding support for new directors as an inspiration for future initiatives in Japanese festivals.

General evaluation for Winds of Asia-Middle East section
I first came to the Tokyo International Film Festival over 15 years ago and I noticed that it had a very strong Asian selection. Today, more than ever, the Winds of Asia section remains a powerful platform for emerging talent such as Kamila Andini, Marlon Rivera and Sheron Dayoc, for emerging cinemas such as the Philippines, and for establishing lesser known cinemas, such as that of Cambodia, to a mass audience. As Asian cinema continues to expand, we are grateful to the Tokyo International Film Festival for continuing to recognize and support the new Asian wave.

Winds of Asia-Middle East: Special mention

-TATSUMI (Director: Eric Khoo)

This film is brimming with Eric Khoo’s deep passion and esteem for the Japanese comic artist, Tatsumi Yoshihiro to the fullest. Having been influenced by ‘gekiga’ (dramatic pictures), it is also a great pleasure to see that this film has once again spotlighted Tatsumi’s talents to be reevaluated in Japan and internationally. Khoo’s bona-fide production captures the appeal of the original version well. A thumbs-up for Khoo’s new challenge.

-The Mirror Never Lies (Director: Kamila Andini)

This film cruelly portrays the life and death of people living on the sea in a breathtakingly beautiful location. The significance of this movie runs deep for the Japanese people after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as the same blessings and fears of the ocean are shared by both people. This movie reconfirms the simple fact that “the seas of Tohoku and Indonesia are connected”.

-Robot (Director: S. Shankar)

There have been films made where a robot has emotions and the ability to make rational judgments, yet not one has ever achieved enlightenment, not even Steven Spielberg’s robots. On top of this, it is a fantastic entertainment movie. I hope to see Bollywood’s surging power create many more films that will bring back a smiles and the enjoyment of living to the downhearted Japanese people.

Japanese Eyes

Overall comment by Mr. Hiroshi Kashiwabara (Jury of Japanese Eyes)

After having seen the films, I felt that many of them were rather complacent and self-righteous. As a film director, it is important to make films that arouse the audience’s imagination but at the same time, they key in filmmaking is to figure out how you plan to express what you are trying to do with the film you are shooting. With this said, About the Pink Sky was the most well-balanced movie of all. Film is the art of ellipsis. My hope for young and up-and-coming directors is for them to be able to decide what needs to be cut out, what left in, and most importantly, how to pack in their initial intentions and meanings in filmmaking. I hope to see such kinds of unique and exceptional directors emerge in the near future.

Japanese Eyes Best Picture Award: About the Pink Sky (Director: Keiichi Kobayashi)

Please refer to links below for Juries’ comments on Competition, and award winners’ comments.

The 24th Tokyo International Film Festival Closing Ceremony Announcement of Award Winners

The 24th Tokyo International Film Festival Award Winners Press Conference