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Tokyo International Film Festival

東京国際映画祭

39th, Oct 26 – Nov 4, 2026, Japan

The Competition will showcase feature films that were completed after January 2026. Following a rigorous screening process, fifteen films were chosen from around the world for screening at the festival. This year TIFF received 1,892 entries from 112 countries and regions. The Competition Jury, comprised of international cineastes, will award the prizes to the winners at the Closing Ceremony.

Asian Future

Competition, 10 films and programmes

This year marks the eleventh edition of the section since its inception at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2013. This year, 10 films, including eight world premieres, will compete for the “Asian Future Best Film Award.”

Nippon Cinema Now

Competition, 9 films and programmes

Nippon Cinema Now will select from new Japanese films it deems imperative to introduce to international audiences. We will screen a variety of films, including fresh new films and sincere documentaries. To help Japanese cinema take another leap forward on the global stage, this section will become a competitive category starting this year.

Nippon Cinema Now Special Screening

Gala Selection

20 films and programmes

The Gala Selection premieres the latest films ahead of their Japanese release. 19 films (including 5 short films) will be showcased this year to bring additional excitement to the festival. These include much-talked-about films in international film festivals around the world, the latest films from internationally renowned auteurs, and entertainment films that were massive hits in their home countries.

World Focus

32 films and programmes

The World Focus Section showcases films that reflect the current trends in world cinema. We will also feature a variety of special screenings, including 23rd Latin Beat Film Festival in TIFF, Taiwan Cinema Renaissance 2026, Australia Spotlight, Tribute to Ulrike Ottinger and Youssef Chahine Centenary Retrospective.

Animation

15 films and programmes

The Animation section will screen 9 films, including the latest Japanese and international titles, as well as documentaries about animation. Additionally, we will screen three popular Japanese films as part of the “Women Directors: Diverse Visions” and host three related symposiums.

Japanese Classics

21 films and programmes

The Japanese Classics section screens classic Japanese film masterpieces. In addition to films by directors Somai Shinji and Naruse Mikio, as well as screenings commemorating the 55th anniversary of Nikkatsu Roman Porno (romantic pornography), this year we will co-host a special retrospective in conjunction with the National Film Archive of Japan to mark the 70th anniversary of the passing of Mizoguchi Kenji, a master filmmaker who shines brilliantly in the history of world cinema.

Youth

8 films and programmes

Through films selected for young audiences, this section offers opportunities to discover cinema for the first time or experience it anew. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, TIFF Teens Meet Cinema will hold a commemorative screening event.

Women's Empowerment

9 films and programmes

This section explores women’s filmmaking and empowerment. Set primarily in Peru, China, Ukraine, India, Chile, Japan, and the United Kingdom, this year’s films examine how various circumstances shape identities and trajectories, casting shadows over people’s lives while also becoming sources of strength. The talk event “HER GAZE” will feature on cinematographers from Japan and Taiwan.

Asian Students' Film Conference

Competition, 10 films and programmes

A student film competition of live-action and animated works under 60 minutes, recommended by film schools across Asia. The lineup includes international festival winners.

Asian Students' Film Conference Masterclass

CROSSCUT ASIA+

7 films and programmes

In a joint initiative with the Japan Foundation, TIFF is introducing CROSSCUT ASIA+, a brand-new section highlighting Southeast Asian cinema. CROSSCUT ASIA+ will feature a curated selection of films jointly chosen by vibrant film programmers from both Southeast Asia and Japan, centered around a unique, annual theme from their distinct perspectives.

Tokyo International Film Festival

Opening

Centerpiece

Closing

Competition

Asian Future

Nippon Cinema Now

Gala Selection

World Focus

Animation

Japanese Classics

Youth

Women's Empowerment

Asian Students' Film Conference

CROSSCUT ASIA+

Special Screenings

Kurosawa Akira's Favorite Films

TIFF Ethical Film Award

TIFF Lounge -TOKYO TALK-

Tokyo International Film Festival Outdoor Screenings 2026

Special Collaboration with PFF 2026 PFF Grand-Prix Winning Film Screening

Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award Film Screening and Discussion

Aichi International Women's Film Festival in Tokyo

Events

Ceremony