Journey to the Fest: Student Visit to the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival
The Journey to the Fest programme took students to Tokyo, Japan, where they participated in post-film talks, industry panels, and networking events, connecting with filmmakers from around the world
The Asian Film Awards Academy’s Journey to the Fest programme returned to Tokyo in 2025, eight students joined the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival from 26 October to 4 November. Organised by AFAA and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and the Film Development Fund, students participated in the opening ceremony, masterclasses, industry seminars, and face-to-face exchanges with Japanese filmmakers. Under this year’s theme for the student tour, “Together We Dare to Explore”, the week offered them a deep insight into the festival’s cultural and industry dynamics, immersed them in the artistic atmosphere, and broadened their international perspective.
Attending Festival Screenings
Date: 27 November – 2 November, 2025
During the Tokyo International Film Festival, students watched over ten films from across Asia, including narrative features, documentaries, classics, and shorts from Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. This gave them insight into diverse storytelling styles and cinematic aesthetics. They also attended the grand opening ceremony and world premieres, experiencing the excitement of audiences on the red carpet. One student shared: “we feel incredibly privileged to be among the first audiences and to join the post-screening Q&As. Listening to the directors and actors share their creative ideas, production processes, and anecdotes has given us a deeper understanding of each film.”
Screenings took place in central Tokyo’s Hibiya, Ginza, and Yurakucho districts, including Hulic Hall Tokyo and TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, with additional outdoor screenings at Hibiya Step Square. The students were able to experience the vibrant festival atmosphere and the unique blend of Tokyo’s urban life with film culture.
JTTF Meeting Session with Film Professional
Date: 26 October, 2025
Venue: Chemical Society of Japan
Guest: Peter XU (Film Festivals Consultant, Film Critic, Distributor)
The Academy arranged an in-depth discussion for students with Peter XU, who is active in media, film criticism, and distribution. Peter first shared his journey in the film industry, starting as a film critic and gradually moving into international film festivals and distribution work, giving students a multi-faceted understanding of the film industry and potential career paths.
In addition to media and distribution, Peter serves as a programming consultant for several international film festivals, including the Rotterdam, Tokyo, and Shanghai International Film Festival. He shared with students the thought process behind film selection. Drawing from his international distribution experience, he discussed the cultural and market challenges Japanese films face abroad, and how filmmakers can balance “preserving national identity” with “bold innovation.”
Students gained a deeper understanding of the film industry, festival operations, cross-cultural exchange, and the future possibilities of cinema.
Tokyo International Film Festival Opening Ceremony and Red Carpet
Date: 27 October, 2025
Location: Takarazuka Theatre
Guest: ANDO Hiroyasu (Chairman, TIFF) , Carlo Chatrian (TIFF International Competition Jury President, former Artistic Director of Locarno Film Festival), Peter CHAN (director), YOSHINAGA Sayuri (actress), SAKAMOTO Junji (director), , Juliette Binoche (actress), GWEI Lun-Mei (actress and TIFF Jury), TAKIUCHI Kumi (actress), KITAGAWA Keiko (actress), MITSUSHIMA Hikari (actress), YOSHIOKA Riho (actress), CHONG Keat Aun (director), Non (actress)
The students attended the opening ceremony of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival the day after their arrival,. The red carpet was held along the vibrant streets of Ginza, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with filmmakers from around the world. French actress Juliette Binoche addressed the audience, inspiring creators with her words: “Go for it, be creative, go for any art form!” Her message resonated deeply with the students and heightened their excitement for the festival’s upcoming programmes. The students also witnessed a historic moment as Japanese cinema legend YOSHINAGA Sayuri, now 80, received a lifetime achievement award.
Following the ceremony, the students attended opening film screening, Climbing for Love, directed by SAKAMOTO Junji and starring YOSHINAGA Sayuri and SATO Koichi. Based on the life of the renowned Japanese mountaineer TABEI Junko, the film tells the gripping story of her historic ascent as the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, braving life-threatening challenges along the way.
This immersive experience allowed the students not only to witness the grandeur of an international film festival firsthand but also to gain inspiration from iconic figures in cinema and the power of storytelling on a global stage.
Visit to Japan Institute of the Moving Image
Date: 28 October, 2025
Venue: Japan Institute of the Moving Image
Speakers: Ms. OTOMO Rio (Professor, Japan Institute of the Moving Image), students, graduates and teachers of Japan Institute of the Moving Image
On the third day of the visit, the students went to the Japan Institute of the Moving Image, founded by Japanese director IMAMURA Shohei, which is the only university in Japan dedicated specifically to film studies. The students toured the campus and explored sets built by the film department students themselves. Professor OTOMO explained that the school encourages students to understand the central role of art direction and set design in filmmaking through hands-on practice. Afterwards, the students engaged in exchanges with the faculty and students, gaining deeper insight into local teaching methods and creative culture. The visit concluded with a screening of a short film co-produced by the Japan Institute of the Moving Image and the Korea National University of Arts, allowing the students to further appreciate the school’s achievements in cross-institutional collaboration and film education.
Soi CHEANG Masterclass
Date: 28 October, 2025
Venue: Marunouchi Piccadilly
Moderator: HIBIKI Kurei (film critic)
The students attended a masterclass with director Soi CHEANG, while the festival also screened his widely acclaimed film in Japan, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. After the screening, CHEANG engaged with the audience in a masterclass, which drew over 400 attendees. He spoke about how filmmaking has guided his life and career, and shared the reasons behind his persistence in making films. The students were inspired by his insights and hoped to use their own filmmaking to explore and express their personal stories and ideas.
TIFFCOM Panel
Animating Asia: Creative Strategies for IP, Storytelling, and Global Reach
Date: 29 October, 2025
Venue: TIFFCOM at Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center
Speakers: MORIMOTO Koji (Director and Animator), Raman HUI (Director and Animator), Polly YEUNG (Producer and Scriptwriter), Samuel CHOY (Producer, General Manager of Bliss Concepts Ltd.)
Moderator: FUJITSU Ryota (Moderator and Animation critic)
The students attended the TIFFCOM’s first seminar “Animating Asia: Creative Strategies for IP, Storytelling, and Global Reach” at TIFFCOM. The event was packed, attracting numerous Japanese animation studios, producers, investors, and students. Speakers included Hong Kong-born animator Raman HUI, known for the Shrek and Monster Hunt series; Polly YEUNG, producer and screenwriter of the acclaimed Hong Kong animated feature Another World; Samuel CHOY, producer and head of the beloved Hong Kong animation character McDull; and renowned Japanese animation creator MORIMOTO Koji, who worked on AKIRA.
JTTF Meeting Session with Japan Producer
Date: 29 October, 2025
Guest: NISHIKAWA Asako (Producer)
The Academy invited Japanese producer NISHIKAWA Asako for a face-to-face discussion with the students. With extensive producing experience, her credits include All the Long Night (MIYAKE Sho, 2024), Nobody Knows (KORE-EDA Hirokazu, 2004), and Wild Berries (NISHIKAWA Miwa, 2003).
During the session, she introduced the roles and responsibilities of producers in the Japanese film industry and shared her experiences as a female producer. Approximately one-third of staff on set are women, particularly during pre- and post-production, so gender has not been a significant barrier. When asked about pitching art-house scripts, Ms. Nishikawa emphasized her principle of “protecting the director,” supporting the director’s creative and artistic vision while also preferring projects that balance artistic merit with commercial potential. She also discussed ongoing debates in the Japanese film industry about whether Netflix Movies count as “true cinema,” giving students deeper insight into current industry trends.
Hong Kong Night
Date: 30 October, 2025
Venue: InterContinental Tokyo Bay
Guests: Dr. Wilfred WONG, GBM, GBS, JP (Chairman of the FDC), Gary MAK (Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and Secretary-General of the FDC), TAM Wai Ching (director), Carlos CHAN (actor), Fish LIEW (actress), Raman HUI (Director and Animator), Polly YEUNG (Producer and Scriptwriter), Samuel CHOY (Producer)
The students also had the opportunity to attend the industry networking event “Hong Kong Night,” which brought together nearly 200 film professionals and industry representatives from around the world. The atmosphere was lively, and students were able to engage with filmmakers and creators from different regions. Participating in such an international gathering offered the students a rare experience and allowed them to directly feel the vibrancy of the film industry and its global connections.
TIFFCOM Panel
MPA / DHU / TIFFCOM Masterclass Seminar and Pitching Contest 2025
Date: 31 October, 2025
Venue: TIFFCOM at Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center
Speaker: Schuyler WEISS (producer)
The students participated in the “MPA / DHU / TIFFCOM Masterclass Seminar and Pitching Contest 2025,” jointly organized by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Digital Hollywood University (DHU), and TIFFCOM. The masterclass was led by Schuyler WEISS, producer of the Oscar-nominated film Elvis, and was held alongside a pitching competition featuring five emerging Japanese filmmakers. By engaging closely with an internationally acclaimed producer and observing the hands-on pitching contest, the students gained valuable insights into current trends and practical operations within the film industry.
JTTF Meeting Session with Japan Producer
Date: 31 October, 2025
Venue: TIFFCOM at Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center
Guest: MURATA Chieko (Producer)
The Academy arranged for students to attend another special face-to-face session with Japanese producer MURATA Chieko. MURATA has produced works including the popular anime-adapted film series Kingdom, as well as the recent phenomenon Kokuho, which showcases traditional Kabuki art while achieving impressive box office success. During the session, she shared her valuable experiences as a producer and her plans for the future, as well as insights into trends in the Japanese film market. On the topic of adaptations, she explained that she often follows Japanese literary works and the manga magazine JUMP to identify stories or IPs with potential for film development. She also described how she balances artistic and commercial considerations in production, giving students a comprehensive understanding of commercial film production and a clear view of the diversity and opportunities within the film industry.
JTTF Meeting Session with Japan Director
Date: 1 November, 2025
Venue: Chemical Society of Japan
Guest: DANZUKA Yuiga (director)
The last face-to-face meeting was between students and rising Japanese director DANZUKA Yuiga. Director DANZUKA was selected for Quinzaine des cinéastes (Directors’ Fortnight) with his debut feature Brand New Landscape, making him the youngest Japanese director ever to be featured in the section. During the discussion, Director DANZUKA spoke about the practical challenges he faced while shooting his debut film, including limited resources and constrained locations. He explained that due to a tight budget, reshoots were rarely possible, and filming in public spaces in Japan often meant encountering unexpected people or objects in the frame. He had to quickly decide how to incorporate these “accidental” elements into the narrative. This flexible and improvisational approach gave students insight into the courage, creativity, and adaptability required of young filmmakers working under real-world conditions.
TIFF Lounge Meetup and Happy Hour
Date: 3 November, 2025
Venue: LEXUS MEETS
Co-organised: The Japan Foundation
The students attended the TIFF Lounge Meet-up and Happy Hour and in a relaxed atmosphere, they had the opportunity to chat and exchange ideas with filmmakers, industry professionals, and film students from across Asia. Through these informal conversations, participants shared creative insights and filmmaking experiences, giving the students a deeper understanding of different cinematic cultures and a glimpse into how peers their age approach storytelling and envision their future careers in film.
Visit to TOHO Studios
Date: 4 November, 2025
Venue: TOHO Studios, Setagaya, Tokyo
On the last day of the JTTF, students visited TOHO Studios, Japan’s largest production studio, touring various production departments on site. They saw thousands of props meticulously organized and preserved, special effects makeup monster heads used in films, as well as the studio’s extensive soundstages and recording facilities. The visit gave students a clearer understanding of how Japanese film and television productions are completed step by step, from props and makeup to filming and post-production—and allowed them to experience the meticulous and highly developed industrial operations behind a professional studio.
FUKADA Koji Masterclass and Rintaro Masterclass
Date: 4 November, 2025
Speakers: FUKADA Koji (director), Rintaro (animation director)
Moderator: TANAKA Fumihito
Students attended masterclasses with FUKADA Koji and Rintaro, bringing the programme to a fulfilling close. Japanese director FUKADA Koji, whose film Love on Trial was selected for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, shared excerpts from his past works during the masterclass, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of how he developed his distinctive directorial style.
In Rintaro’s masterclass, students watched his film Nezumikozo Jirokichi (2023), and heard the director explain the production process, character design, and the inspiration behind the film. Through these two masterclasses, students learned diverse creative approaches from different directors, providing a rich and insightful conclusion to the trip.
This trip to the Tokyo International Film Festival offered students an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of film-related activities in the space of just one week—from screenings and masterclasses to industry gatherings and conversations with filmmakers. Stepping into an international festival environment allowed them to explore new possibilities in storytelling and to understand their own relationship with cinema more clearly. The group returned to Hong Kong with fresh insights and renewed inspiration, already looking forward to their next festival experience. With the spirit of “Together We Dare to Explore,” they hope to continue discovering more of the film world, side by side.
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Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
