The Journey to the Fest has returned to Tokyo
The Journey to the Fest student visit has returned to Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) after a five-year hiatus. Students enjoyed chance to exchange ideas with film students and film talents from different Asian countries and regions.
The Journey to the Fest has returned to Tokyo after a five-year hiatus. The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFA Academy), with the support of Create Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Film Development Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the co-organization with the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), led a group of tertiary students from Hong Kong to Tokyo from October 23 to 30, 2023. Students participated in various festival programmes, networking events, watched films and visited film institutions and studios in Tokyo. They also had the chance to exchange ideas with film students and film talents from different Asian countries and regions.
Major Events included:
Screenings and After-Screening Discussions with Filmmakers
Period: 23 to 29 October 2023
Participants watched over 10 films from different countries and of different genres, including the Festival Opening Film, films in the Competition Section and Premiere films. Most screenings were either followed by post-screening Q&A or opened with pre-screening stage greeting with filmmakers/actors.
Visit to Japan Institute of the Moving Image and Kawasaki Art Center
Date: 23 October 2023
Venue: Japan Institute of the Moving Image, Shin’yurigaoka Campus and Kawasaki Art Center
Speakers: Ms. Otomo Rio (Professor, Japan Institute of the Moving Image), students, graduates and teachers of Japan Institute of the Moving Image
Participants learnt about the academic structure and content of Japan Institute of the Moving Image, watched the work of a graduate student and had conversations with the director. They then visited the Kawasaki Art Center nearby.
TIFF Opening Ceremony
Date: 23 October 2023
Venue: Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre
Speakers/guests: Mr. Kishida Fumio (Prime Minister of Japan), Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan), Mr. Ando Hiroyasu (Chairman, TIFF), Mr. Wim Wenders (TIFF International Competition Jury President), Mr. Zhang Yimou (Director and awardee of TIFF Lifetime Achievement Award), Ms. Ando Momoko (TIFF Festival Navigator), Mr. Yakusho Koji (Actor), Albert Serra (Director and TIFF Jury), Tran Thi Bich Ngoc (Producer and Jury), Kunizane Mizue (Producer and Jury), Ms. Zhao Tao (Actress and TIFF Jury), etc.
Visit to TOHO Studios
Date: 24 October 2023
Venue: TOHO Studios, Setagaya, Tokyo
Speaker: Mr. Tatematsu Yutaro (Production Services Dept. representative, TOHO Studios)
Participants visited TOHO Studios, the largest film studio in Japan. They toured around the facility, with detailed introduction by Studio representative, including the workshop and storage rooms for sets and props, special effects makeup department, shooting stages (studios), and sound recording studios. They gained first-hand understanding of the environment and process of producing Japanese films and television works.
TIFF Master Classes – Zhang Yimou
Date: 25 October 2023
Venue: Yurakucho micro FOOD & IDEA MARKET
Speakers: Mr. Zhang Yimou, Mr. Ishizaka Kenji (Senior Programmer, Tokyo International Film Festival / Professor, Japan Institute of the Moving Image)
Meet the Talents – Cast & Crew of “In Broad Daylight”
Date: 25 October 2023
Venue: Bicerin Hankyu Men’s Tokyo
Guests: Mr. Lawrence Kan (director), Ms. Jennifer Yu (actress), Mr. Lo Wai-lun (editor), Mr. Wan Chu (composer)
Meet the Talent – Miyazawa Hio
Date: 26 October 2023
Guest: Mr. Miyazawa Hio (Best Supporting Actor, the 16th Asian Film Awards)
Screening of “2046” and Tony Leung Masterclass
Date: 26 October 2023
Venue: Hulic Hall Tokyo
Speakers: Mr. Tony Leung (Best Actor and Asian Film Contribution Award, the 16th Asian Film Awards), Mr. Ichiyama Shozo (Programme Director, Tokyo International Film Festival)
TIFF Asian Film Student Exchange Program – Kore-eda Hirokazu Masterclass
Date: 26 October 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Base Q
Speakers: Mr. Kore-eda Hirokazu and Tsuchida Tamaki (Program Coordinator, Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival / Assistant Professor, Waseda University)
TIFF Asian Film Student Exchange Program
Date: 26 October 2023
Venue: Yurakucho micro FOOD & IDEA MARKET
Speakers: Mr. Kore-eda Hirokazu and film students from Japan, Southeast Asian countries and Beijing
Visit TIFFCOM and MPA Seminar
Date: 27 October 2018
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center HAMAMATSUCHO-KAN
Participants visited TIFFCOM, witnessing firsthand the dynamic exchange of business and ideas at a film market. They also gained valuable insights on pitching and financing through a seminar hosted by the MPA (Japan Moving Picture Association)..
120th Anniversary Ozu Yasujiro Commemorative Conversation “Shoulders of Giants”
Date: 27 October 2023
Venue: Mitsukoshi Theater
Speakers: Internationally renowned directors Wim Wenders, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Jia Zhangke and Kelly Reichardt
Meet the Talents – Cast & Crew of “Time Still Turns the Page”
Date: 28 October 2023
Venue: Rakuzo Utage Yurakucho
Speakers: Mr. Nick Cheuk (director) and Mr. Lo Chun Yip (actor)
