Tokyo International Film Festival awards grand prix to Yoshida Daihachi’s “Teki Cometh”
The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), held from October 28 to November 6, concluded with Yoshida Daihachi’s "Teki Cometh" sweeping the awards. The black-and-white drama, based on a novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui, explores the unsettling journey of a retired professor grappling with an enigmatic warning about an impending enemy. The film earned the grand prix, best director for Daihachi, and best actor for Nagatsuka Kyozo, whose performance captures a mind unraveling.
"Teki Cometh" adds to Daihachi’s repertoire of acclaimed literary adaptations, including "Pale Moon" and "The Kirishima Thing." Happinet Phantom Studios handles its sales.
The special jury prize went to "Adios Al Amigo," a Colombian western-action by Ivan D. Gaona, which follows a soldier’s quest in post-war Colombia. Anamaria Vartolomei received best actress for her role in "Traffic," a Romanian film about an emigrant’s descent into crime inspired by an art theft case.
Dong Zijian’s debut film, "My Friend An Delie," won the artistic contribution award for its nuanced take on childhood friendships and grief. The audience award was presented to "Big World" by Yang Lina, a poignant story about a young man with cerebral palsy.
In the Asian future category, Emine Yildirim’s "Apollon By Day Atheon By Night," a Turkish fantasy-drama, was recognized as best film. The ethical film award went to Mati Diop’s "Dahomey," a documentary exploring African artworks from the Dahomey Kingdom, commended for addressing social issues.
Hungarian auteur Tarr Béla received the lifetime achievement award, marking another highlight of the festival. A notable figure in European cinema, Tarr is best known for his Palme d’Or-winning "The Man From London" and continues to mentor young filmmakers.
Japanese filmmaker Miyake Sho and Taiwanese director Fu Tien-yu were honored with the Kurosawa Akira Award, celebrating their contributions to cinema.
This year’s edition featured 208 films from 39 countries and welcomed over 2,500 international guests, a 28% increase from last year. Attendance for official events rose by 32.5%, though total admissions slightly decreased from the previous year. The affiliated content market, Tiffcom, expanded its seminar offerings, reflecting the festival’s growing global influence.
The festival concluded with Christophe Honoré’s "Marcello Mio," a French-Italian comedy that premiered at Cannes.
Complete Winners List:
- Tokyo Grand Prix: "Teki Cometh"
- Special Jury Prize: "Adios Al 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 Atheon By Night"
- Ethical Film Award: "Dahomey"