May 13, 2011, Cannes, France; TIFF and TIFFCOM organized the “ARIGATO (thank you) NIGHT” at Hotel Majestic Barriere on Friday, May 13 during the 64th Cannes International Film Festival. This night was held to show our appreciation for the encouragement and support for given to Japan after the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, and to demonstrate what we can do as film people in this difficult time.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Tom Yoda, the Chairman of TIFF/TIFFCOM, said, “Thanks for warm support and assistance. Through films, TIFF/TIFFCOM will convey the “spirit of Japan” to the world.” The details of his speech are below.

This gathering was attended by around 300 people in total including more than 20 international film festivals and film organizations commencing with Cannes, Berlin, Pusan, Toronto, Rotterdam and etc, and domestic and international press and journalists, and other film people around the world. Their warm and supportive messages would be uploaded with their photos and signs at the TIFF website.

Donation boxes for Japanese relief efforts were placed at the venue for “ARIGATO NIGHT,” and each contributor received a TIFF/TIFFCOM “ARIGATO” wristband. This wristband also will be given to contributors continuously till the 24th TIFF in October. All donations will be delivered to the Japan Red Cross Society for distribution in the affected areas.

Mr. Yoda spoke:
Japan is moving forward, The 24th TIFF and 8th TIFFCOM will be held as scheduled. I believe that film is important in difficult times and has the power to heal and encourage Japan. Our mission this year, therefore, is to seek out and exhibit same level of high-quality films that we did last year. Your participation in TIFF and TIFFCOM will greatly help the film Industry and the people of Japan. We will continue this “ARIGATO” wristband project and I hope our friends and guests will come to Tokyo and join us in October.

We love Japan: Warm and supportive messages from film people all around the world.