In a triumphant display of cinematic excellence, Yoshida Daihachi’s compelling black and white drama Teki Cometh swept the awards ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) today, November 6, capturing the prestigious grand prix along with accolades for best director and best actor.
Drawing inspiration from a thought-provoking novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui, the film revolves around the unsettling journey of a retired and widowed college professor who is abruptly alerted that an unspecified enemy is approaching. This latest offering is part of Daihachi’s continued exploration of literary adaptations, following notable works such as Pale Moon, The Kirishima Thing, and Funuke Show Some Love, You Losers!, which made waves at Cannes Critic Week back in 2007.
During the ceremony, Teki Cometh also garnered the best actor award for the esteemed veteran Nagatsuka Kyozo, whose powerful performance poignantly depicts the unraveling psyche of his character.
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‘Teki Cometh’: Tokyo Review
The special jury prize this year was bestowed upon Adios Al Amigo, a thrilling Colombian western action film directed by Ivan D. Gaona, which originally premiered at the Warsaw Film Festival earlier in 2023. The gripping narrative follows a liberal soldier navigating the aftermath of the Thousand Days’ War in Colombia, who partners with a resourceful photographer on a perilous quest to locate his missing soldier brother.
Romania’s Anamaria Vartolomei was honored as best actress for her riveting portrayal in Traffic. Inspired by a gripping true story revolving around an art theft case in Rotterdam, the film chronicles the struggles of Natalia, a young Romanian emigrant, as she confronts the harsh realities of poverty, leading her to make desperate choices, including robbing an art museum.
The artistic contribution award was presented to My Friend An Delie, marking the directorial debut of acclaimed Chinese actor Dong Zijian. This poignant film delves into themes of nostalgia, childhood friendships, and the weight of grief, showcasing a young man’s emotional reunion with a long-lost friend during his tumultuous journey home to attend his father’s funeral.
The audience award was claimed by Big World, directed by Yang Lina. The film paints a heartfelt portrait of a young man who, despite grappling with cerebral palsy, strives to maintain connections with the society around him throughout a transformative summer.
The Asian future best film award went to Apollon By Day Athena By Night, the enchanting debut feature by Turkish director Emine Yildirim. This fantasy-drama follows a woman’s quest through the ancient Mediterranean city of Side as she seeks her long-lost mother, leading to a series of enigmatic encounters along the way.
The second annual ethical film award was awarded to Mati Diop’s Dahomey, a documentary that vividly brings to life the tales of 26 remarkable African artworks originating from the kingdom of Dahomey. This award is given to a film that effectively highlights pressing social issues related to the environment, poverty, discrimination, and the value of diversity.
The prestigious lifetime achievement award was conferred upon esteemed Hungarian auteur Tarr Béla, recognized globally for his impactful contributions to cinema. Tarr first captivated audiences in 2007 with his Cannes’ Palme d’Or-winning film, The Man From London, and has since retired from directing in 2011 to focus on nurturing new talent at an international film school in Sarajevo.
International presence
The 37th edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival unfolded from October 28 to November 6, showcasing an impressive lineup of 208 films hailing from 39 countries around the globe.
Preliminary figures reveal a slight dip in admissions this year, dropping from 74,841 to 61,576, although attendance at other significant events saw a remarkable 32.5% increase, reflecting a resurgence of interest.
Despite encountering funding challenges, the festival experienced a noticeable uptick in international participation, with a total of 2,561 international guests this year, marking a substantial 28% increase compared to last year.
Tiffcom, the festival’s affiliated content market, took place from October 30 to November 1 and featured an expanded seminar program that doubled in size, reflecting the growing interest in the industry.
The festival concluded with a special screening of Marcello Mio, directed by French-Italian filmmaker Christophe Honoré. This whimsical comedy, which premiered in Competition at Cannes, stars Chiara Mastroianni in a unique role where she embodies her real-life father, the legendary Marcello Mastroianni.
Tokyo International Film Festival 2024 winners
Tokyo Grand Prix: Teki Cometh
Special Jury Prize: Adios Amigo
Best director: Yoshida Daihachi, Teki Cometh
Best actress: Anamaria Vartolomei, Traffic
Best actor: Nagatsuka Kyozo, Teki Cometh
Best artistic contribution: My Friend An Delie
Audience award: Big World
Asian future best film award: Apollon By Day Athena By Night
Ethical film award: Dahomey
Sara Thompson
**Interview with Film Critic Sarah Thompson on the Success of *Teki Cometh* at TIFF**
**Interviewer**: Sarah, it’s great to have you here today to discuss the Tokyo International Film Festival. What are your thoughts on *Teki Cometh* winning the grand prix and several other awards?
**Sarah Thompson**: Thank you for having me! I think *Teki Cometh*’s success is a significant moment for both Yoshida Daihachi and contemporary cinema. The film’s premise is incredibly compelling, drawing from Yasutaka Tsutsui’s thought-provoking work. It’s a mixture of psychological depth and societal commentary that resonates well with today’s audiences.
**Interviewer**: The main character is a retired professor facing an unknown threat. How do you think this plot contributes to its emotional weight?
**Sarah Thompson**: It adds a layer of tension and unease. The transformation of the protagonist—a widowed professor—reflects broader themes of existential dread and vulnerability. Nagatsuka Kyozo’s award-winning performance is crucial here; he brings a raw authenticity to the character’s unraveling psyche, making the audience feel every moment of his turmoil.
**Interviewer**: Alongside *Teki Cometh*, other films like *Adios Al Amigo* and *Traffic* were also recognized. What does this say about the diversity of storytelling in this year’s TIFF?
**Sarah Thompson**: It showcases a rich tapestry of global narratives. While *Teki Cometh* presents a deeply personal journey, *Adios Al Amigo* offers a thrilling western perspective, and *Traffic* explores social issues through a very human story. This variety highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse voices and experiences in cinema.
**Interviewer**: The festival also honored Tarr Béla with a lifetime achievement award. How does his work influence the current generation of filmmakers?
**Sarah Thompson**: Tarr Béla is a master of long takes and atmospheric storytelling, which has inspired many contemporary filmmakers to explore more dynamic and immersive narrative techniques. His focus on character-driven narratives also reminds younger filmmakers to prioritize emotional depth over mere spectacle, a balance that is sometimes lost in today’s cinema.
**Interviewer**: In your opinion, what does the recognition of films at TIFF signify for the future of global cinema?
**Sarah Thompson**: It indicates a growing interest in international storytelling that challenges traditional Hollywood narratives. As festivals like TIFF continue to spotlight unique perspectives, we may see a future where diverse cultures and stories gain mainstream attention, enriching the cinematic landscape as a whole.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on this year’s festival. It’s certainly an exciting time for cinema!
**Sarah Thompson**: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how these films will resonate with audiences worldwide.
