Auteur Rolf de Heer Appointed to Lead International Competition Jury at Tokyo International Film Festival

A Landmark Appointment at TIFF

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has officially announced that renowned Australian director Rolf de Heer will step into the prestigious role of president of the International Competition jury for its upcoming edition. This major appointment places one of contemporary cinema's most uncompromising creative voices at the heart of one of Asia's most celebrated cinematic gatherings.

De Heer's appointment highlights the festival's ongoing commitment to honoring visionary filmmaking talent from across the globe. As jury president, he will oversee the evaluation of top-tier international entries, bringing decades of directorial experience and a distinctive artistic perspective to the judging process.

Showcase for 'The Survival Of Kindness'

In tandem with his jury responsibilities, de Heer's 2022 feature film, *The Survival Of Kindness*, will be screened in Tokyo as part of a dedicated Australia Spotlight. This special showcase of Australian cinema is presented in direct cooperation with the Australian Embassy in Japan, offering international audiences a window into contemporary storytelling from Down Under.

*The Survival Of Kindness* previously earned critical attention when it was selected for competition at the Berlinale. Its inclusion in the Tokyo spotlight underscores the film's enduring thematic resonance and its creator's continuous exploration of stark, powerful human narratives.

A Storied Career Across Global Festivals

De Heer's illustrious career boasts a long history with the world's most prestigious film festivals, including a remarkable four films screened in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Among these is his acclaimed 2006 feature *Ten Canoes*, which earned the coveted Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section.

Mid-career highlights further cement his formidable reputation in international cinema. His 2002 film *The Tracker* played in competition at the Venice Film Festival and marked his first momentous collaboration with legendary Australian Indigenous actor David Gulpilil. Additionally, *Alexandra's Project* (2003) garnered critical acclaim, securing a best actress award at San Sebastian for Helen Buday's tour-de-force performance.

Continuing Artistic Triumphs

Further demonstrating his narrative range, de Heer's filmography includes *The King Is Dead!* (2012) and *Charlie's Country* (2013). The latter project reunited him with David Gulpilil, culminating in a Best Actor award for the late performer at the Cannes Film Festival.

Reflecting on his upcoming jury duties, de Heer shared his deep enthusiasm: "For any of us attending the Tokyo International Film Festival, it is a privilege. For me, as a filmmaker, it is even more so. The more films I manage to make, the fewer films I manage to see, especially on the big screen." He added, "But as a part of this jury, I have the duty, the obligation, to see at least 15 films and talk about them with other filmmakers! And not just any old 15 films, but the 15 films in Competition... in a city that plays host to one of the most formidable film cultures in the world!"

Festival Logistics and Leadership Vision

Tokyo Festival Director Takeo Hisamatsu expressed immense enthusiasm regarding the appointment, noting the profound impact of de Heer's cinematic contributions. "We are delighted to welcome Rolf de Heer as President of the International Competition jury at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival," Hisamatsu stated. "With his distinctive perspective and unwavering commitment to filmmaking, de Heer has spent decades opening up new possibilities in cinema."

Hisamatsu emphasized the value of the director's participation, stating anticipation for the fresh dialogue and discoveries that his deep insight will bring to the competition's diverse selection of films. The Tokyo International Film Festival is slated to take place from October 26 to November 4, with the concurrent TIFFCOM contents market running from October 28 to 30.