The excitement is building for the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025! A recent press conference, held at BASE Q Hall in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, officially announced the thrilling lineup for this prestigious event. Established in 1985 with a mission to showcase Tokyo’s cinematic prowess and foster global cultural exchange, TIFF’s upcoming edition is set to illuminate Tokyo’s Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza areas from October 27 to November 5.
A major highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the ‘Animation’ section, which promises to enchant audiences with 12 diverse animated films. This year’s selection proudly features a blend of the latest works from Japan and around the world, including several exciting premieres. Here’s a closer look at the animated masterpieces joining the lineup:
- Allah Is Not Obliged (Director: Zaven Najjar) – Japan Premiere
- Angel’s Egg 4K Restoration (Director: Oshii Mamoru) – Japan Premiere
- ChaO (Director: Aoki Yasuhiro)
- Decorado (Director: Alberto Vázquez) – Asian Premiere
- Edge of Time (Directors: Watanabe Shinichiro, Li Wei, Morita Shuhei, Weng Ming) – International Premiere
- I Am Frankelda (Directors: Roy Ambriz, Arturo Ambriz) – Japan Premiere
- Jinsei (Director: Suzuki Ryuya)
- Labyrinth (Director: Kawamori Shoji) – Asian Premiere
- The Last Blossom (Director: Kinoshita Baku)
- Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Directors: Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han)
- The Obsessed (Director: Takahashi Wataru)
- Momotaro, Sacred Sailors (Director: Seo Mitsuyo) – Featured as part of the ’80 Years After the War Retrospective’
Beyond the dedicated Animation section, film enthusiasts can also look forward to an engaging Outdoor Screenings program. This special series will feature a fantastic mix of popular titles, including four films from the beloved Macross franchise, alongside iconic movies like Jaws, Bad Boys Ride or Die, The Karate Kid, and Superman Returns. The Macross entries are:
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress (Director: Kawamori Shoji)
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell (Director: Kawamori Shoji)
- Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time (Director: Kawamori Shoji)
- Macross Delta: Zettai Live!!!!!! (Director: Kawamori Shoji)
Prepare for an unforgettable cinematic journey at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, where animation and film will take center stage!