Takeo Hisamatsu returns to lead Tokyo International Film Festival

Japanese film executive Takeo Hisamatsu has returned to lead the Tokyo International Film Festival as festival director ahead of its 40th anniversary, The Hollywood Reporter reported. Hisamatsu previously served as director of the festival from 2017 to 2021 following executive positions at Shochiku and Warner Bros. Türkïye Today reported that the Tokyo International Film Festival opened under heavy autumn rain. [1][9]

Exhibition space at TIFFCOM, the festival's market, sold out early this year, according to Variety. Market managing director Ikeda Kaori reported that Japanese producers are using the event to secure international partners while projects are in development. Variety reported that the market's previous edition attracted over 4,600 industry professionals from 46 countries and regions, registering a 13 percent increase in attendance. [4]

The Tokyo International Film Festival was established in 1985 and became an annual event starting in 1992, according to Wikipedia. It is the only Japanese festival accredited by the FIAPF and is the second largest film festival in Asia after the Shanghai International Film Festival. As FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier, Chinese director Qiu Jiongjiong's new feature Fuxi: Four Tales Of Feasting will hold its world premiere in the festival's main competition section. [10][13]

Hisamatsu told The Hollywood Reporter that his return to the festival presents an opportunity to build on his previous tenure and capitalize on rising international demand for Japanese cinema. [1]