October 8, 2009
22nd Tokyo International Film Festival
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009 Ever since the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) gave up its pretensions of being “the Cannes of the East,” it’s been trying to reinvent itself as a cutting-edge film fest with a focus on Asia. Unfortunately, the organizers have been unwilling to take chances—until this year. The last-minute […]
By Metropolis
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009
“The Cove”: ©2009 Oceanic Preservation Society
Ever since the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) gave up its pretensions of being “the Cannes of the East,” it’s been trying to reinvent itself as a cutting-edge film fest with a focus on Asia. Unfortunately, the organizers have been unwilling to take chances—until this year. The last-minute decision to screen controversial documentary The Cove, which details an annual dolphin slaughter in the Wakayama town of Taiji, fits in perfectly with TIFF 2009’s emphasis on environmental films. Other highlights include Indian director (and TIFF stalwart) Dev Benegal’s Road, Movie and Charlie Kaufman’s Synedoche, New York.
Tokyo International Film Festival
22nd edition of the movie extravaganza, now with added green. Oct 17-25, various times and prices. Roppongi Hills and other locations. Nearest stn: Roppongi. See website for details. www.tiff-jp.net
