The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is pleased to announce that Hisamatsu Takeo has been appointed the new Festival Director, taking effect from April 14. He previously served as the Festival Director from 2017 – 2021, for the 30th to 33rd TIFF editions. Hisamatsu will take over from the Chairman Ando Hiroyasu, who is due to step down on May 31.
Since assuming the position of Chairman in July 2019, Ando has led a transformation of the festival, including the relocation of the main festival venue from Roppongi to the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area, the reorganization of the programming structure, and the promotion of greater international exchange, such as the TIFF Lounge conversation series. Ando has been awarded the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the French government, with the award ceremony to be held by the French Ambassador to Japan on April 15.
With our mission, To amplify the possibilities of cinema from Tokyo and contribute to interactions with a diverse world, and with the new festival director, the 39th TIFF will continue to be a place where everyone can enjoy the power and vitality of film. We hope you can join us!
Comments from Ando Hiroyasu, Chairman of TIFF
"During my seven-year tenure as Chairman of TIFF, I have focused on addressing four key challenges:
1. Deepening international exchange through cinema and people.
2. Addressing social issues through the platform of film.
3. Nurturing talent to shape the future.
4. Strengthening collaborative relationships with the local host community.
I believe that we have achieved tangible success, reflected in the growth of our audience numbers, revenues, and number of international guests.
However, TIFF is still a work in progress and therefore must continue to strive for even greater heights.
I sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation under the festival's new leadership."
Comments from Hisamatsu Takeo, Festival Director of TIFF
"After five years since my last appointment with the Tokyo International Film Festival, it is a great honor to once again be given the opportunity to shoulder the significant responsibility of Festival Director. During my previous tenure, I championed the vision of Entertainment and Art in Symmetry. Through a diverse lineup of films and events, we aimed to create a festival filled with a sense of celebration, which ultimately contributed to an increase in attendance.
The Japanese government has now positioned the content business as a vital growth sector and is strengthening its support. Given this opportunity, I will commit to ensuring that TIFF plays a key role in both deepening cultural value and promoting the commercial development of the film industry.
I sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation."
Hisamatsu Takeo
Hisamatsu Takeo joined Shochiku Co., Ltd in 1978, and in 1986 became manager of Shochiku USA's Little Tokyo Cinema, Los Angeles. He returned to Tokyo in 1989 and was appointed as senior manager of the Shochiku Exhibition Department. In 1994, he joined Time Warner Entertainment Japan as General Director of the Theatrical Distribution Department, Warner Bros. Pictures Japan.
In 2001, he rejoined Shochiku as Director of the Theatrical Distribution Department, Production and Acquisition, and became an Executive Managing Director in 2003. He was named President of what is now Shochiku Broadcasting Co., Ltd. in 2006, and in 2010 rejoined Warner Entertainment Japan Inc. as Deputy General Manager of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan.
After establishing his own company, My Way Movies, Hisamatsu served as Festival Director of TIFF from March 2017 to March 2021.
39th Tokyo International Film Festival
https://tiff-jp.net/en/
TIFFCOM 2026
Organized by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Internal Affairs,
Communications (MIC) and UNIJAPAN
©TIFF
CONTACT US