‘Palestine 36’ Wins Grand Prix at Tokyo International Film Festival

Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama, Palestine 36, secured the Grand Prix/The Governor of Tokyo Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 1, 2023. This accolade follows a successful run at the Toronto Film Festival, where the film received a lengthy standing ovation. The film has gained significant recognition as Palestine’s official entry for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards.

Set against the backdrop of the 1936 Arab Revolt against British rule in Palestine, Palestine 36 delves into the historical roots of the Palestine-Israel conflict. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Robert Aramayo, Saleh Bakri, Liam Cunningham, and Jeremy Irons.

Other Notable Winners

The festival also honored several other outstanding productions. The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Rithy Panh‘s documentary We Are the Fruits of the Forest, which explores the lives of the Bunong people, an indigenous ethnic group in Cambodia facing severe threats from climate change.

In the acting categories, the Best Actress award was jointly awarded to Fukuchi Momoko and Kawase Naomi for their performances in Nakagawa Ryutaro‘s familial drama Echoes of Motherhood, which also premiered at the festival. The Best Actor award went to Wang Chuanjun for his role in Zhang Lu‘s acclaimed film Mothertongue, which also garnered the Best Director prize for Lu. He shared this honor with Italian filmmakers Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis, who directed the well-received western Heads or Tails?.

The festival’s Audience Award, determined by public vote, was given to Sakashita Yuichiro‘s school dramedy Blonde. This socially charged comedy, inspired by a real-life student revolt against outdated school rules in Japan, follows a teacher whose life changes dramatically when all his female students dye their hair blonde in protest.

Complete List of Winners

The Tokyo International Film Festival recognized the following winners:

– Grand Prix/The Governor of Tokyo Award: Palestine 36
– Special Jury Prize: We Are the Fruits of the Forest
– Best Director: Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis (Heads or Tails?), Zhang Lu (Mothertongue)
– Best Actor: Wang Chuanjun (Mothertongue)
– Best Actress: Fukuchi Momoko and Kawase Naomi (Echoes of Motherhood)
– Award for Best Artistic Contribution: Mother
– Audience Award: Blonde
– Asian Future Best Film Award: Halo
– Kurosawa Akira Award: Lee Sang-il and Chloé Zhao
– 38th TIFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Yōji Yamada and Sayuri Yoshinaga
– TIFF Ethical Film Award: White House

The Tokyo International Film Festival continues to highlight diverse voices in cinema, showcasing both local and international talents.