By Florenda Corpuz
TOKYO – The Philippines will have a strong presence at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), with three films in the lineup, a DreamWorks animated film inspired by Filipino folklore, and Filipino-Japanese actor and singer Kento Nakajima serving as this year’s festival navigator.
“EDJOP,” directed by Katski Flores, will compete against nine other films for the Asian Future Best Film Award. The film tells the story of activist Edgar Jopson during the Marcos regime and his athlete daughter, spanning Philippine history and the present. It stars Elijah Canlas, Jodi Sta. Maria and Kakie Pangilinan.
“Filipiñana,” directed by Rafael Manuel, will screen in CROSSCUT ASIA+, a new section highlighting Southeast Asian cinema. The film follows Isabel, a 17-year-old who starts working as a tee girl at an exclusive country club outside Manila. As she navigates the club’s world of wealthy members and staff, she begins to uncover the inequalities beneath its polished image. It stars Jorrybell Agoto. “Filipiñana” is also the Philippines’ official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
“Makikiraan Po (Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors),” directed by Lav Diaz and starring Christian Bables, will be screened in the World Focus section. Set in 1617, the film follows Spanish friar Padre Enciso, whose rule over an island is marked by cruelty and abuse, which he justifies through Christianity. The story explores the oppression of the Indigenous Malay population under Spanish colonial rule.
“EDJOP” ©Open Water Productions & The Mad Goats Inc.
“Forgotten Island,” a DreamWorks Animation fantasy adventure inspired by Filipino folklore, will have its Japanese premiere at the festival. The film follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, who are transported to the fantastical island of Nakali, where they encounter magical and mythological creatures from stories they grew up hearing from their Filipino families. Joined by Raww, a well-meaning weredog voiced by Dave Franco, the two must find a way home after discovering that their memories of their friendship are the price of returning to the real world. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film also features Filipino actors Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon and Jo Koy in its voice cast.
Nakajima, who has Filipino and Japanese heritage, will serve as this year’s festival navigator, introducing movies and promoting the festival to audiences.
“I wondered, am I really the right choice? I really love film, but I’m an idol, as well as expanding my acting career,” Nakajima said at a press conference.
“Films are something that can expand your life. As an actor, I can experience things I would never experience in real life. Film festivals are occasions for all the people in the industry and film lovers can come together and be inspired. A lot of dreams can be realized because there are so many opportunities provided by the gathering,” he added.
This year’s edition of TIFF will run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4, with screenings and events at venues in Hibiya, Yurakucho, Ginza and Marunouchi.
