The Films Appearing at the 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival

Chris Olson
Sep 22
2 min read

Film Feature by Chris Olson

Well then, here we are, another year, another brilliant lineup from the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). As a critic who's always looking for a good yarn and a bit of cinematic magic, the latest announcement from the 38th TIFF has certainly piqued my interest. They've just unveiled their Closing Film, some of the Gala Selection titles, and a few animated gems, and it's looking to be a festival of truly impressive scale and prestige.

The big news, and rightly so, is that Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao's newest film, Hamnet, will be the festival's Closing Film. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Maggie O'Farrell, this film follows the powerful story of love and loss that inspired William Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet. With a cast that includes the ever-brilliant Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, who apparently deliver triumphant performances, this film has already made a splash, picking up the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. It's a real coup for Tokyo, and what's more, Zhao herself will be there to receive the Kurosawa Akira Award. What a way to wrap things up!

Looking at the Gala Selection, it's clear the festival is pulling out all the stops. We've got Ari Aster's Eddington, which boasts a cast list that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone. Then there's Rental Family from director HIKARI, a joint USA-Japan production featuring Brendan Fraser. These high-profile international titles sit alongside some of the best of Japanese cinema, showcasing the festival's broad appeal.

And for those who, like me, appreciate the art of animation, the lineup is looking very strong. The selection includes a 4K restoration of the Japanese classic Angel's Egg and a range of international works, such as the French film Allah is Not Obliged and the Spanish film Decorado. It's a delightful mix that promises a feast for the eyes and the mind. The festival will run from October 27 to November 5, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

Opening, Closing, and Gala Selection