Tokyo Film Festival announces opening film and disaster aid initiatives

The 3D film will kick off the event at TIFF’s main Roppongi Hills venue on Oct 22, with the festival running until Oct 30.

Musketeers star Orlando Bloom enjoys increased popularity in Japan while Anderson’s Resident Evil films (released in Japan under the original Capcom game’s Biohazard title) eclipse earnings in any other territory. The Three Musketeers opens domestically on Oct 28 through distributor Gaga Corporation.

TIFF has also revealed more about its programs and initiatives to support recovery efforts in Japan’s disaster-affected Tohoku region.

With a new slogan of “Believe! The power of films,” TIFF with screen films in six main programs. Also featured will be a major retrospective of veteran actress Kyoko Kagawa, co-presented with the National Film Center. The nine-film program will include Kenji Mizoguchi’s 1954 classic The Crucified Lovers (Chikamatsu Monogatari).

In an effort to raise money for relief efforts after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that hit eastern Japan this March, TIFF will place donation boxes at TIFF venues staring this month until the festival’s conclusion. Donators will receive a “TIFF Arigato” wristband to help raise awareness for the campaign. Messages and photos conveying sympathy and support from filmmakers and film-related individuals and associations from around the world will also be displayed on the official website and at venues.

TIFF will also continue its environmentally-aware stance, signified by its green carpet. The festival’s ongoing energy conservation strategy is timely with concerns over Japan’s depleted electricity supply following the March disaster. Taking place in the late fall, TIFF will safely be able to avoid any potential rolling blackouts this summer.