As the Tokyo International Film Festival begins its 2025 edition, President Hiroyasu Ando is leveraging his decades as a diplomat to position TIFF as more than just a showcase of local produce and steer the event toward a future that emphasizes Asian film discovery, gender equality, and cross-cultural dialogue.
“Based on my many years of experience as a diplomat, I am convinced that people can understand each other even if they have different cultures and values if they have an open-hearted dialogue,” Ando told Variety. “As divisions and conflicts deepen around the world, I believe that dialogue and exchange through film is becoming increasingly important.”
This philosophy shapes TIFF’s strategic position within an increasingly crowded global festival calendar. Rather than pursuing premier-first status, Ando sees this festival as a gateway to Asian cinema. “As an Asian film festival, we aim to make TIFF a film festival that is recognized as a place where you can meet Asian works and filmmakers.”
The 2025 edition brings women’s stories to the forefront, with all three main slots – opening, centerpiece, and closing – focusing on female protagonists. The lineup begins with “Climbing for Life” and ends with “Hamnet.” “This year’s opening, featured, and closing works all focus on women’s lives,” says Ando.
Building on last year’s efforts, TIFF will once again host a women’s empowerment program, with film screenings and symposiums dedicated to promoting gender equality in the industry.
Youth development remains a top priority, and TIFF launched the Asian Student Film Conference this year. This new initiative will showcase short films recommended by film schools across Asia, with the Grand Prix and Special Jury Award being awarded from among the 15 selected films. The program builds on existing youth initiatives and expands TIFF’s commitment to fostering new voices across the region.
Beyond programming, TIFF’s industry arm continues to grow through TIFFCOM, the festival’s collaborative content marketplace. “There, we communicate the latest trends in film, television, and animation, mainly from Asia and Japan, and also support international co-productions,” Ando explains.
The platform comes as Japanese films are showing renewed interest in expanding internationally. “Many films, including animated ones, are starting to find success overseas,” Ando says. “TIFF intends to contribute as much as possible to this cause and will strengthen its role in presenting both finished and unfinished works to international audiences.”
Mr. Ando emphasizes the appeal of Tokyo that goes beyond movies. “Tokyo is a unique city in the world, not only for movies, but also for theater, art, music, food, and many other fields,” he says. “I hope that TIFF, which is held in a city like this, will be cherished as a place for filmmakers from all over the world to interact.”
When asked what he wants the audience to remember from TIFF in 2025, Ando shares his simple vision: “I would be happy if I could hear things like, “I was moved by this fascinating movie,” “It was fun and worthwhile to participate in the various events,” and “I want to come to TIFF again and enjoy the city of Tokyo to the fullest.”
The Tokyo International Film Festival runs until November 5th.
