Second-guessing the programming of the annual Tokyo International Film Festival is a favorite sport of movie types in Japan — I've been doing it myself for years.
One gripe has long been the over-representation of commercial films, especially in the Special Screenings section. Past editions of TIFF have often felt like a giant PR exercise for the local entertainment (not "film") industry, as the Japanese media focuses on the local TV idols who typically populate such films.
This year's program — to be held Oct. 22-31 — was outlined at a press conference on Tuesday, and it doesn't completely rectify that situation. The Special Screenings section is still there in all its glitzy glory, but TIFF has added three new sections that strengthen its often-repeated (and often-mocked) claim to being a world-class festival.
One section, called Panorama, aims to showcase what TIFF describes as "the diversity of film," with programming including drama, horror and animation. I hope that "diversity" turns out to be more than a code word for cramming in more popcorn fare. Another section is Japan Now, which will present Japanese films from the past year that TIFF feels have been stand-outs in some way (presumably not only for their box-office earnings). And the new Japan Classics section will screen digitally restored Japanese film masterpieces. Given that TIFF cut its former English-subtitled classics section, to the regret of many non-Japanese filmgoers here, this is more of a restoration than an innovation — but welcome nonetheless.
Until TIFF announces its complete lineup in September, I'll withhold judgment — and carping. But these new additions sound promising.