The 21st Tokyo International Film Festival (Nov. 18th-26th), so-called “TIFF,” finally started in Roppongi and Shibuya. This year, TIFF introduces approximately 300 films by six programs such as “Competition,” “Winds of Asia-Middle East,” and “Japanese Eyes” etc. Characteristically the “Green Carpet,” instead of a red one, has been put down for director and actors, and it also launched a new program named “natural TIFF” to appeal its theme ‘Ecology.’
I have two recommendations for Japanese movies screened at TIFF, though I actually missed to get the tickets of both films as they sold out right after the booking started…
One is “Echo of Silence” which is directed by Atsuro Watabe in “Competition” program. This is the first feature film for him as a director, and he also appears in this film as an actor with Saki Takaoka. If you have been attracted by his unique acting before, you will be curious to know how he directs a movie as well.
The other is “The Shonen Merikensack” in “Special Screenings” program, the latest film by a versatile director/writer/actor Kankuro Kudo, and starring 22 year-old Aoi Miyazaki. You will able to see and enjoy an atmosphere and power of a young energetic generation of Japanese cinema by this work. Even though I could not watch it at TIFF, I will definitely go to theatre after its general release on February 14, 2009!!
For more information, please check its official website http://www.tiff-jp.net/en/
Mai KATO
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