Revitalizing the Tokyo International Film Festival: An Interview with Hiroyasu Ando
In the five years since Hiroyasu Ando took the helm of the Tokyo International Film Festival, the transformation under this dynamic octogenarian and former diplomat is undeniable. Despite facing the challenges of a global pandemic during his first full event, Ando has successfully revitalized the festival, generating more excitement than it has seen in decades.
The festival has experienced a surge in world premieres, attracted a diverse array of international guests, and introduced engaging side events. The move to the vibrant Hibiya-Ginza-Yurakucho districts has further enhanced its accessibility and appeal. Yet, Ando remains focused on driving continued progress, aiming to draw in more local moviegoers and expand the festival’s influence beyond just cinema.
As the latest edition of the festival kicked off, Ando sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the festival’s achievements and the road ahead.
A Thrilling Start Amidst Competition
When asked about the festival’s opening amidst President Trump’s visit, Ando expressed optimism. “So far, so good. I was initially concerned about the overlap, but it turned out well. Despite rain during the weekend, the weather cleared up for the red carpet on Monday, and we received significant media coverage. Ticket sales have been robust, with many stars from Japan and abroad attending. Just recently, we honored director Yōji Yamada with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His film Tokyo Taxi, which features Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura, serves as our festival centerpiece this year—a truly wonderful celebration.”
Celebrating Women in Cinema
Ando highlighted the significance of female representation in this year’s lineup. “Our three main films—opening, centerpiece, and closing—each center on women. The opening film celebrates the first woman to summit Everest, while Tokyo Taxi follows an elderly woman’s journey to a nursing home. The closing film, Hamnet, directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, tells the story of Shakespeare’s wife. This focus on women’s empowerment is intentional and vital.”
Commitment to Gender Equality
Reflecting on the festival’s commitment to gender equality, Ando shared encouraging statistics. “Last year, women made up 56.8% of our staff, and this year that number has risen to 57.3%. In senior positions, the ratio increased from 30.8% to 33.3%. We’re gradually making progress.”
When asked about the broader impact of these initiatives, Ando remarked, “With Japan’s first female prime minister, I hope our festival has contributed to this historic moment. Society is increasingly prioritizing women, and we want to play a role in driving that change.”
Cinema as a Bridge for Dialogue
Ando believes in the power of cinema to foster dialogue amidst growing societal divisions. “While it’s challenging to measure the impact, cinema can promote conversations among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Films present varied perspectives, and by watching and discussing them, we can cultivate mutual understanding. We’re also encouraging more exchanges through our festival lounge, hosting gatherings for both Japanese and international guests to connect and converse.”
Reaching a Broader Audience
Despite the festival’s growth, Ando acknowledges the need to engage a wider audience. “Many Tokyo residents are still unaware of the festival. It’s an ongoing challenge to reach not just cinephiles but everyday people. We want to create an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone, not just industry insiders.”
Nurturing Future Filmmakers
This year, the festival introduced the Asian Film Students Conference, inviting 15 student films from cinema schools across Asia. “We aim to nurture young filmmakers by providing seminars, masterclasses, and opportunities to explore film-related sites in Tokyo. It’s an essential part of our commitment to the future of cinema.”
Raising International Profile
Ando is optimistic about the festival’s growing international presence. “The number of premiere films has increased, particularly in the competition section. The festival is gaining recognition globally, attracting attention from filmmakers like Juliette Binoche, who graciously attended this year.”
Budgeting for Success
Despite budget challenges, Ando has successfully increased the festival’s funding by about 30% since 2020, from around 780 million yen ($4.7 million) to over 1 billion yen ($6.6 million). “While rising hotel and airfare costs pose challenges, securing sponsorships is a crucial part of my role, and we’ve welcomed eight new sponsors this year.”
Future Planning and Flexibility
Regarding potential changes to the festival dates, Ando noted the complexities. “We’re currently held from late October to early November, which overlaps with other major festivals. While moving to an earlier date could be beneficial, it presents challenges due to weather and planning timelines. We’ll continue to discuss this, but October-November is typically the best season in Japan—comfortable and dry.”
Looking Ahead
As for retirement, Ando chuckles, “Who knows? I’m focused on the present and the exciting future of the festival.”
In summary, under Hiroyasu Ando’s leadership, the Tokyo International Film Festival is on an impressive trajectory, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and international dialogue, while continually striving for growth and innovation in the world of cinema.
