Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2010

Photo by Kevin Mcgue

The first day of the 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival, which brought nearly 200 films to Toho Cinema Roppongi Hills and surrounding venues last month, was marred by a political spat. It was rumored the Chinese delegation insisted that their counterparts from Taiwan be introduced as from “Chinese Taipei,” prompting the Taiwanese, including Vivian Hsu (who enjoys a strong local following), to boycott the opening ceremonies. Khan Lee, producer of the Hsu vehicle Juliets, brushed aside the controversy, saying, “We are already one country. We are citizens of the country called film.”

Those who did join the opening gala walked down a green carpet made from 23,000 recycled plastic bottles, designed to draw attention to environmental concerns. The celebrity-studded lineup included actress Yoshino Kimura (Blindness) and model Anne, who acted as festival ambassadors (right).

Also making the trip to Tokyo were Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview With the Vampire), who served as head of the competition jury; French cinema icon Catherine Deneuve, who showed Potiche, her latest collaboration with director Francois Ozon; and Japanese celeb Norika Fujiwara, who provides the voice of Fiona in the Japanese version of the upcoming Shrek Forever After (see “Star Struck”).

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The festival’s big winner was the Israeli film Intimate Grammar, which picked up the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix and $50,000 in prize money. Directed by Nir Bergman, it tells the story of an Israeli boy coming of age during the tumult of the ’60s. “I am still so shocked and happy that I want to kiss this trophy,” said Bergman (right). “This is an amazing moment for us. Eight years ago, we were here with Broken Wings. Back then, I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t speak at all. I put all my life into my first film. But making a second film is usually much harder because people’s expectations rise. That’s why this award really means a lot to me.”

The Special Jury Prize went to 98-year-old Japanese filmmaker Kaneto Shindo for his wartime film Post Card. Shindo, in a wheelchair, told the audience: “This is my last film, and I really hope that the next generation will create good movies.” Sarah’s Key, about France’s involvement in the Holocaust, won the audience choice award.