Tokyo Chair Ando Hiroyasu on Asian Cinema, Gender Equality at Fest

As the Tokyo International Film Festival starts its 2025 edition, chair Ando Hiroyasu is steering the event toward a future that emphasizes Asian cinema discovery, gender equality and cross-cultural dialogue — leveraging his decades as a diplomat to position TIFF as more than just a showcase for local product.

“Based on my long experience as a diplomat, I am convinced that people can understand each other regardless of different cultures and values if they open their hearts and engage in dialogue,” Ando tells Variety . “At a time when division and conflict are deepening around the world, I believe that the importance of dialogue and exchange through film is deepening.”

That philosophy shapes TIFF’s strategic positioning in an increasingly crowded global festival calendar. Rather th