
We present the winners of the 34th Tokyo International Film Festival which took place from October 30th – November 8th, 2021.
Competition
Tokyo Grand Prix | The Governor of Tokyo Award

Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo | 2021 – 87 minutes
After her husband’s suicide, Vera learns that her house has been mortgaged due to gambling. Debut from Kosovo filmmaker portrays a woman protesting against male-dominated society. (TIFF 2021)
Trailer:
Special Jury Prize

In search of her missing daughter, who is entangled in organized crime, Cielo witnesses a horrifying reality… Dardenne brothers produced this Romanian director’s film, shot in Mexico.
Trailer:
Award for Best Director

Didar, an unrecognized poet, contemplates a rebellious 19th-century poet, executed by the authorities… New film by a leader of Kazakh cinema deals with the difficulty of art in today’s world.
Trailer:
Award for Best Actress

Mexico, USA | 2021 – 111 minutes
Elena raises her ADHD-afflicted son by herself, refusing to give him medication because of her anxiety over side effects. But this decision raises questions about her competence.
Trailer:
Award for Best Actor

Turkey | 2021 – 114 minutes
Kurdish composer Boran is no longer able to see the ocean, obstructed by a new building, and a tragedy befalls him… An intense human drama by the Turtles Can Fly director.
Trailer:
Award for Best Artistic Contribution

Winner of Tokyo FILMeX2020 Grand Prize with In Between Dying presents his new film, featuring dialogues between an imprisoned kidnapper and a law student, set against a beautiful landscape.
Trailer:
Audience Award

A former couple remembers their most intimate days, only to part once again. A bittersweet love story inspired by a Jim Jarmusch masterpiece, set in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trailer:
Special Mention

Asian Future
Asian Future Best Film Award

14-year-old Ahmad is the breadwinner for his fatherless family. At his mother’s request, they rent a farm, but human bones are found, disturbing their plan. A challenging debut feature.
Trailer:
Amazon Prime Video Take One Award
Sunday & Calm Sea by Kim Yunsoo
Akiko and Koichi decide to get divorced. Their friend Miura visits them, carrying a billiards cue. The billiards hall, a man in a red jersey, canned beer drinking and reminiscences on a Saturday night.
Special Jury Prize
Sangoumi Midori for Under the Bridge
Osanai Mami, who has cancer, happens to see a colleague one day. Kanda has changed completely, lost his memory and become homeless. The two, who live in such different ways, reunite overnight.
Categories: Awards