The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival concluded after 10 days, with Annemarie Jacir's Palestine 36 taking the top Tokyo Grand Prix at the closing ceremony. Actor Wardi Eilabouni accepted the award on the director's behalf and expressed gratitude. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike presented the prize and praised cinema's unifying power.
The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival wrapped up on Wednesday after 10 days of screenings and events centered on the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya complex. This year's edition featured 184 films and attracted 69,162 attendees, with high-profile guests including actors Juliette Binoche and Fan Bingbing.
At the closing ceremony held at Toho Cinemas Hibiya, the festival's top honor—the Tokyo Grand Prix, also known as the Governor of Tokyo Award—went to Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir. Actor Wardi Eilabouni accepted the prize on Jacir's behalf, stating, “It’s a very great honor to be here in Tokyo tonight and to receive this wonderful and important award. It means so much to us.”
Governor Yuriko Koike, who presented the award, praised the film's creators, noting that “at a time when the world faces unfortunate divisions, geopolitical tensions and the immense challenges of natural disasters, cinema serves a powerful, essential purpose. Films bravely cross language and cultural barriers, acting as a crucial force that connects people to people.”
The festival concluded with a screening of Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, highlighting cinema's role in fostering global connections.