The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival ended Wednesday after 10 days of screenings and events centered around the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya complex. This year¡¯s edition drew 69,162 attendees for 184 films, including high-profile guests such as actors Juliette Binoche and Fan Bingbing.
At the closing ceremony at Toho Cinemas Hibiya, the festival¡¯s top honor ¡ª the Tokyo Grand Prix, also known as the Governor of Tokyo Award ¡ª went to ¡°Palestine 36,¡± directed by Annemarie Jacir. Actor Wardi Eilabouni accepted the prize on Jacir¡¯s behalf, saying, ¡°It¡¯s a very great honor to be here in Tokyo tonight and to receive this wonderful and important award. It means so much to us.¡±
Gov. Yuriko Koike, who presented the award, praised the film¡¯s creators, noting that ¡°at a time when the world faces unfortunate divisions, geopolitical tensions and the immense challenges of natural disasters, cinema serves a powerful, essential purpose. Films bravely cross language and cultural barriers, acting as a crucial force that connects people to people.¡±
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