“In the five years since Hiroyasu Ando took sole charge at the top of the Tokyo International Film Festival, the progress made under the energetic octogenarian former diplomat is palpable. Despite the distinctly inauspicious start of his first full event in charge unfurling under the cloud of a global pandemic, the Tokyo festival is now generating”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
An increase in world premieres, international guests and side events, along with the relocation to the more accessible and atmospheric Hibiya-Ginza-Yurakucho districts, are helping to boost the festival’s profile and clout. However, Ando seems unwilling to rest on his laurels, determined to continue driving progress, attract more local cinemagoers and strengthen the event’s impact beyond cinema.
Ando sat down with The Hollywood Reporter as this year’s edition was getting underway to share his thoughts on what the festival was getting right and what was still left to do.
It’s amazing that he’s still making movies at 91.
The other lifetime achievement award went to Sayuri Yoshinaga, right?
You signed that 5050×2020 [Cannes-led gender equality] pledge a few years ago? Have you released new figures for the festival organization?
How much impact do you think these efforts have beyond the festival?
You’ve also talked about contributing to harmony through cinema. Realistically, how much impact can a festival or films have in that sense?
True, it’s hard to measure. But around the world, divisions—social, political, international—are growing. Cinema can promote dialogue among people from different backgrounds, ideologies, or cultures. Films show different perspectives; by watching and discussing them, we build mutual understanding. We’re also encouraging more exchange this year through the festival lounge, with small and large gatherings almost every day for guests from Japan and abroad to meet and talk.
You’ve said before that one challenge is reaching the wider public. Many Tokyo residents still don’t realize the festival is on.
Aside from women’s empowerment, what other initiatives stand out this year?
Do you feel you’ve made progress in raising the festival’s international profile?
Yes. The number of premiere films has increased, especially in the competition section. That’s partly because the festival is becoming better known internationally. More people abroad are paying attention and want to come to Tokyo. For example, Juliette Binoche was gracious enough to come this year. We’re moving forward step by step. As the Chinese saying goes: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Budgets are always a challenge, but you’ve managed to increase yours, correct?
There has been talk of changing the festival dates, is that still on the table?
No thoughts of retiring yet?
Nobody knows (laughs).