Tokyo International Film Festival Opens with 'Perfect Days'. Know why Wim Wenders, Zhang Yimou are main attractions

German film director Wim Wenders introduced the cast and crew of 'Perfect Days' at the opening ceremony of the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. Speaking at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, Wenders said that he did not dream that with 'Perfect Days', he would make a film that would play at the Cannes Film Festival. He also said that he dreamed that it would win the best acting prize. Wenders added that he didn’t dare to dream that it would be Japan's Oscar entry, but Tokyo festival and play in front of Japanese audiences.

Chief foreign luminary

Besides being the director of the opening film, Wenders is the president of the competition jury. He is also the chief foreign luminary at the festival’s anniversary tribute to past master Ozu Yasujiro.

Wim Wenders praises Ozu Yimou

The German director has frequently declared Ozu to be his inspiration and his 'master'. Wenders has come out this year with his best fiction film in years, in Japanese-set 'Perfect Days', it could not have been better timed from the TIFF organizers’ perspective.

Zhang Yimou gets Lifetime Achievement Award

Chinese director Zhang Yimou was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tokyo Film Festival. Accepting the award, Zhang said that "it is like a new start for him." He had been to the Tokyo festival twice before, once 36 years ago, and again after 18 years with his film 'Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles'.

Japanese PM's video message

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio delivered an annual video message to the Japanese film industry as part of the festival’s opening ceremony.

Tokyo Film Festival Chairman expresses happiness

Delivering the keynote address, Tokyo Film Festival Chairman Ando Hiroyasu said that he was very happy that the festival is able to welcome nearly 2,000 guests from abroad this year.

The Tokyo Film Festival expects to close on a home-grown high. It will end on Wednesday with 'Godzilla Minus One' the 36th installment in Toho’s 'Gojira' franchise.

FAQs:

Who is Wim Wenders?
Wim Wenders is a German director, the 36th Tokyo Film Festival opened with his film 'Perfect Days'. Wenders is also the president of the competition jury.

Who was given a lifetime achievement award at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival?
Chinese director Zhang Yimou was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. Accepting the award, Zhang said that "it is like a new start for him."