Tokyo Jury President Rolf de Heer on FIAPF’s New A-List: ‘It Matters a Great Deal to Some People, and Not at All to Others’
Tokyo International Film Festival jury president Rolf de Heer said FIAPF’s new A-list recognition is unlikely to change the festival much, which he believes was already regarded as an A-level event. The designation may help Tokyo attract stronger films, but its importance depends on who is judging: some people care greatly, while others attend simply to watch films.
FIAPF replaced its four-category accreditation system in March with a single list naming 17 A-list festivals, including Tokyo, Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto, Busan, Shanghai and Cairo. Busan and Toronto were included for the first time. Tokyo’s five-member jury will select the Grand Prix from 15 competition films before the festival ends on 4 November; the panel also discussed co-productions and how to reach agreement on a winner.
In short
- De Heer says Tokyo’s A-list status is unlikely to change the festival much.
- FIAPF named 17 festivals to its new A-list in March.
- Tokyo’s jury will choose a Grand Prix winner from 15 films.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A single A-list designation could give Tokyo clearer international standing and help it attract stronger films, benefiting filmmakers and audiences. Supporters may also see the consolidated list as a more straightforward way to recognise festivals with significant global reach.
The case against
The designation may add little if Tokyo was already regarded as a leading festival, and its effect on the films shown or audiences reached is uncertain. From this perspective, festival value lies chiefly in the films and the experience of attending, so an industry label may matter to some observers but not to many viewers.
Explained simply
Film festivals are events where films are screened for audiences and, in some cases, compete for awards. The Tokyo International Film Festival is one of Japan’s main film events, and its competition jury chooses a Grand Prix from films selected for the programme.
FIAPF is an international organisation that accredits film festivals. Its A-list brings together festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto and Busan, and signals their standing within the industry.
Recognition can matter to festivals seeking attention from filmmakers, distributors and audiences, and may help them attract films. Its value depends on the people involved: industry professionals may pay close attention to accreditation, while filmgoers may be more interested in the films themselves.
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