A monumental year for cinema unfolds as the Tokyo International Film Festival crowns its champions! Annemarie Jacir's Palestine 36 has clinched the prestigious Grand Prix, marking a significant victory in a year already brimming with success for Palestinian cinema. This historical drama, which delves into the 1936 Arab Revolt against British rule, has captivated audiences, following a standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival. The film's selection as Palestine's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards further underscores its impact. The film features an ensemble cast, including Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Robert Aramayo, Saleh Bakri, Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons, bringing this pivotal moment in history to life. Palestine 36 offers a poignant exploration of the early roots of the Palestine-Israel conflict. But here's where it gets controversial... The film's narrative, focusing on a deeply sensitive historical period, is bound to spark debate. What perspectives might be missing?
The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Rithy Panh's documentary, We Are the Fruits of the Forest, a Cambodian-French production shedding light on the Bunong people and their struggle against climate change.
In a heartwarming turn, the Best Actress award was shared between Fukuchi Momoko and Kawase Naomi for their roles in Echoes of Motherhood. The Best Actor award went to Wang Chuanjun for his performance in Zhang Lu's critically acclaimed Chinese drama, Mothertongue.
And this is the part most people miss... Mothertongue wasn't just a winner; it was a dominator! Zhang Lu also took home the Best Director prize, sharing it with Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis, the Italian filmmakers behind Heads or Tails?
The Audience Award, a testament to popular appeal, went to Japanese filmmaker Sakashita Yuichiro's school dramedy, Blonde. This socially charged comedy, inspired by a real-life student revolt, offers a timely commentary on societal norms.
Here's a complete list of the winners:
- Grand Prix/The Governor of Tokyo Award: Palestine 36
- Special Jury Prize: We Are the Fruits of the Forest
- Best Director: Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis (Heads or Tails?) and Zhang Lu (Mothertongue)
- Best Actor: Wang Chuanjun (Mothertongue)
- Best Actress: Fukuchi Momoko and Kawase Naomi (Echoes of Motherhood)
- Award for Best Artistic Contribution: Mother
- Audience Award: Blonde
- Asian Future Best Film Award: Halo
- Kurosawa Akira Award: Lee Sang-il and Chloé Zhao
- 38th TIFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Yōji Yamada and Sayuri Yoshinaga
- TIFF Ethical Film Award: White House
What do you think of the winners? Are there any films you're particularly excited to see? Do you agree with the jury's choices, or would you have voted differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
