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2013.03.27
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Looking back the 25th TIFF : comments from guests

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Looking back the 25th TIFF : comments from guests (Part1)
 
TIFF Chairman Tom Yoda
 Endurance makes you stronger. 25th edition marks one kind of a breakpoint. I hope you would say hop, step and jump once again. In the world where there are noted film festivals that has continued for more than 60 editions, Tokyo has finally reached the edition which could be acknowledged as the reaching of maturity; therefore it must continue to develop more than ever. I have felt the sense of expectation for Tokyo really increasing every year. There will be more and yet more better films gathering here in future. I sincerely hope that Tokyo will become a place where many film makers would love. The volunteers and the hospitality staff is being evaluated extremely well by the guests and is one of the things that Tokyo can be very proud of.
 
 
Roger Corman (President of the International Competition Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival seen during your stay in Japan?
 Roger Corman: I think Tokyo International Film Festival is one of the best organized film festivals I have ever been now, and also their hospitality has been wonderful, we enjoyed staying here. Also, the selection of films is excellent.
 
Q: You came to this festival in 1994, we held the festival in Kyoto at the time, as a President of the Young Cinema Competition Jury, is there any difference between Kyoto and Tokyo?
Roger Corman: I thought that Kyoto International Film Festival was a bit more intimate because it was smaller. On the other hand, Tokyo International Film Festival is bigger and well-organized, I enjoyed both festivals.
 
Q: Could you give an advice to students who are planning on working in film industry?
Roger Corman: I think there are 2 ways to begin work in film industry. The first one, which I prefer is go to the film school if you get a chance. NYU, USC, UCLA and Columbia are most important. And if you don’t get a chance to go to film school, get a job on any films. It doesn’t make any difference what the job is. You can get there two things; one, if you a good job, you will be promoted, and secondary you learn on the job.
 
 
Yojiro Takita (Competition Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival
  Yojiro Takita: It was wonderful. When I was requested with this task of the jury; it was very nice to notice the name of Mr. Roger Corman.
Judging from his career alone, I had an impression of him as a person who created various films in the production sites and placed priorities in business matters rather than film awards; but in fact he is known for distributing Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni and “Dersu Uzala” in America, as an example and use to think that he was tall but a difficult person to understand.
But when I actually met him, we’ve instantly become a Corman Family. (Laughs) When I think of Mr. Corman, I wonder what kind of person would ordinarily make 500 titles of film in America and won’t even lose a cent. I’ve seen his films and read his books and my impression of him was more like the Yakuza boss. But he actually was like a very quiet University Professor and his understanding of the film was extensive! When we see the film and find it to be kind of disinterested, he would say that the film has certain qualities, always finding good things about the film. I have learned from that. You shouldn’t say anything bad about a person who created the film. Everybody is making the film driven by their will and that is what should be congratulated. That applies to every film and I have reaffirmed this. You can forget the film that you don’t like later on and keep the film that remains in your memory. That is how I felt.
I have seen 15 films in one week as a jury. I have seen even more in the past, but I was fortunate to be able to re-experience that feeling of being in touch with the film and being fascinated by the film.
 
 
Emanuele Crialese (Competition Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival seen during your stay in Japan?
 Emanuele Crialese: I see this film festival from the perspective of a Jury member, not as a director this time. It is probably one of the best festivals I have ever been. They took care of us nicely and provide good concentration for us. Also, I felt that no matter which side the jury member were it was very smart. Because we have the groups of people who actually works in cinema behind the camera, so we have another eye. So I think it is very coherent.
 
Q: Our main theme of this year’s film festival is “Power of Films Now”. Do you have any episode in which you strongly felt the power of the film?
Emanuele Crialese: From the scene that I watched, there were cinemas dealing with the social issue. They are not like laughing films or comedy films. I think it is important for film festival to open windows on our society. Many directors of many films we liked did that so it was encouraging to see such a freedom of expression in their works.
 
 
Kyoko Heya (Competition Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival
 Kyoko Heya: It was really enjoyable as a jury to be immersed in watching of the films every day. I felt the theme of this film festival, “Power of Film” and “Power of Film Festival”, together with the rest of the juries and I was able to reaffirm the significance of it.
 
 
 
Yoshihiro Fukagawa (Japanese Eyes Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival
 Yoshihiro Fukagawa: TIFF was held at Shibuya when I was a student, and I came to theaters so often. I remembered that time and am happy to come to TIFF as a jury of Japanese Eyes this year. It was a kind of sad that I could not see films as many as I want like when I was a student, because I have a job now. Also, I could see some films of Special Screening Section besides Japanese Eyes Section, but I had no chance to see films of Winds of Asia Section. Since I am curious about what Asian filmmakers think, I cannot wait to see Asian films at 26th TIFF.
Also, I have heard that 25th TIFF is the last year for Mr. Yoda as the chairman. I would like to thank him for his great achievement. I am looking forward to seeing further growth of TIFF!!
 
 
Genki Kawamura (Japanese Eyes Jury)
Q: What was your impression of this Film Festival
 Genki Kawamura: I think TIFF is a great place that filmmakers can meet each other, because filmmaking is a kind of domestic work. However, the most important thing is how we make use of this experience and make films in the future. It would be great if we can see the films together.
 
Q: Our main theme of this year’s film festival is “Power of Films Now”. Do you have any episode in which you strongly felt the power of the film?
Genki Kawamura: Actually I am the person who despairs of the power of films. I think films cannot make any big differences like changing our lives. Films only can make small differences and it is how the power of films spreads. No matter its major or independent, I think it is important that interesting projects come out.
 
Part2
 

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KEIRIN.JPThe 25th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held with funds provided by Japan Keirin Association.TIFF History
24th Tokyo International Film Festival(2011)