The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival tapped “Mountain Climbing,” a biographical drama by Sakamoto junji about legendary mountaineer Tabei Janko, as an opening night choice.
The film records the true story of Tabey, who made history as the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975. Beloved Japanese actor Yoshinaga Sayari will be starring in the lead role, marking his first collaboration with Sakamoto in 13 years since “Angel Chorus” (2012).
“Climbing for Life” represents the 31st distinctive feature of the award-winning Helmer Sakamoto, including “KT” (2002), “Zatoichi the Last” (2010), “Another World” (2019), and “Okiku and the World” (2023). The project marks the 50th anniversary of Tabai’s historic Everest rise, and Sakamoto creates what festival organizers call “a portrayal that emphasizes human resilience and tolerance.”
The ensemble cast also features koichi, Yuki, Amami and Non. Sakaguchi Riko wrote the script for the music of Yasukawa Goro. The film is based on Tabei’s memoir, My Mountain Life – Up and Down.
Beyond Everest’s victory, the biopic explores Tabei’s achievements “shattering a deep shadow on friends and family, not just festival sources.” The story continues in her later years after continuing to climb despite being diagnosed with terminal illness.
“It is a real honor to have our film chosen as the opening film for the 38th Tiff,” Sakamoto said in a statement. “The production process of filmmaking has changed dramatically in the digital age, but the joy of sharing films with audiences on the big screen remains timeless.
Tiff Programming Director Ichiyama Shozo added: “With an incredible lead performance by Yoshinaga Sayari and meticulous instructions from director Dr. Sakamoto, the film will win the place as one of the most moving films of the year.
Kino Films Co., Ltd. will distribute the film in Japan with the theatrical release set on October 31st.
The festival will be held from October 27th to November 27th. 5 across Tokyo’s Central Entertainment District, where TIFFCOM is scheduled for May 29th to 31st.
