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TRENDING
Sept. 5, 2024
Women’s Empowerment Section Debuts at Tokyo Film Festival
Tokyo film festival launching ‘Women’s Empowerment’ section to champion female filmmakers.
Japan - The Tokyo International Film
Festival (TIFF) is set to introduce a groundbreaking new section titled
“Women’s Empowerment” in its 37th edition, running from October 28 to November
6, 2024. This initiative aims to spotlight the contributions of female filmmakers
and films that focus on women’s stories and perspectives.
The Women’s Empowerment section will feature seven
films directed by women or centered on female experiences. This move is part of
TIFF’s broader commitment to gender equality and diversity in the film
industry. In 2021, TIFF became the first Asian film festival to sign with
Collectif 50/50, an international organization advocating for gender parity in
cinema2. The new section is seen as a significant step forward in this ongoing
effort.
Andrijana Cvetkovikj, the first Macedonian ambassador
to Japan and a former jury member at TIFF, will serve as the senior programmer
for the Women’s Empowerment section. Cvetkovikj emphasized the importance of
this initiative, noting that advancements in digital technology have made
filmmaking more accessible, leading to a surge in female directors, writers,
and protagonists. She highlighted that the new section aims to celebrate these
emerging voices and their diverse stories, which have often been underrepresented
in mainstream cinema.
In addition to film screenings, the Women’s
Empowerment section will host a symposium and special screening talk sessions
to discuss related themes and issues. These events are designed to foster
dialogue and provide a platform for female filmmakers to share their
experiences and insights.
The introduction of this section reflects a growing
recognition of the need for greater gender diversity in the film industry,
particularly in Asia, where such initiatives have been slower to take root
compared to North America and Europe. By championing female filmmakers, TIFF
hopes to inspire future generations and expand the horizons of global cinema.
The Women’s Empowerment section at TIFF represents a
significant and timely effort to promote gender equality and celebrate the
achievements of women in film.
