Tokyo Jury Defends Festival's Status After FIAPF Recognition
Rolf de Heer leads a panel of five that debated the meaning of the A-list tier and how they will resolve disagreements on the 15 competing films.
By Madison Darwish ·
The 2026 Tokyo International Film Festival jury convened on Tuesday to discuss its role in evaluating the competition.
The panel is led by Dutch-Australian director Rolf de Heer, who works alongside French colorist Yov Moor, South Korean producer Oh Jungwan, Japanese actress Makiko Watanabe, and Taiwanese-American producer Alex C. Lo. The group addressed questions about the festival's recent official designation as an A-list event by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.
De Heer stated that Tokyo has long functioned as an A-list festival in the eyes of attendees. He argued that the new official tier does not fundamentally alter the event. He noted that the categorization may help attract higher quality films, but the core experience remains consistent for those who attend.
The jury also outlined how they will handle potential conflicts regarding the 15 films in the competition for the Tokyo Grand Prix. De Heer said the process depends on the specific nature of any disagreements. He expressed confidence that the group would avoid selecting a compromise film in favor of a strong choice, even if some members did not prefer it. Oh Jungwan joked that she was prepared to fight for her favorite film, referencing a past seven hour debate with another jury.
Moor highlighted the rarity of colorists serving on major festival panels. He described his appointment as a surprise and a chance to draw attention to the specific technical role of color grading. He has lived in Tokyo for nearly two years and viewed the invitation as a personal milestone.
The festival's standing in the industry remains a central theme for its organizers. The inclusion in the FIAPF A-list category aligns with the festival's historical reputation. The jury members agreed that their primary focus is the films themselves rather than the administrative tier.
De Heer concluded by describing the festival as a pause in his workflow. He said he is currently deciding on his next project and views the event as a structural break in his schedule. He acknowledged that the answer is not specific but is the most accurate description of his current professional state.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
