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’
FIAPF’s decision to make A-list status official, with Tokyo among the 17 festivals named, is unlikely to change much about the event, according to the filmmaker leading its competition jury. Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer, the director of “Bad Boy Bubby” and “Ten Canoes,” was
The International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) has officially designated 17 film festivals, including Tokyo, as A-list events. This move has sparked interest in the film industry, with some viewing it as a significant development and others as merely a formality. For Rolf de Heer, the Australian filmmaker leading the competition jury at the Tokyo festival, the A-list status doesn't seem to hold much weight.
De Heer's comments suggest that the festival's reputation and influence are already well-established, and the official designation may not bring about significant changes. This perspective is understandable, given that Tokyo has long been considered one of the major film festivals globally. The FIAPF's decision may be more about providing a formal recognition of the festival's status rather than altering its trajectory.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the A-list designation impacts the festivals and their relationships with filmmakers, producers, and audiences. With the film festival landscape constantly shifting, attention will likely turn to how these events adapt to changing viewer habits and technological advancements. Keep an eye on how other festivals respond to FIAPF's move and how they leverage their own status to attract top talent and innovative storytelling.
Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.