The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) rolls out from October 26 to November 4, showcasing more than 200 titles from 112 nations under the banner “Connecting — Cinema Connects Us to the World Beyond.” While the festival opens with Takahisa Zeze’s “Sukiyaki” and closes with Yeon Sang-ho’s horror-action “Colony,” a bespoke program called Academy in Tokyo places the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the centre of the event.
Designed to spotlight the Academy’s expanding global footprint, the itinerary bundles a high-profile panel, a leadership honor, and a public dialogue with Japan’s premier studio, Toho Co. The schedule also dovetails with TIFFCOM, the industry market running October 28-30, and ticket sales that began on October 17.
Academy in Tokyo: panel, award and members’ reception
Oct. 28 – a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars
On October 28, Bill Kramer the Academy’s chief executive since 2022, will share the stage with President Lynette Howell Taylor and Chief Membership, Impact and Industry Officer Meredith Shea** at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall. Moderated by TIFF director Hisamatsu Takeo, the 90-minute conversation will pull back the curtain on the Oscars, outline the organization’s global initiatives and explore how the Academy’s membership programs are evolving to reflect a more international community of 11,000 film professionals.
In addition to dissecting the Academy’s perspective on international cinema the panel will address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly diversifying industry, from emerging markets to new storytelling formats. The discussion is expected to illuminate why the Academy has intensified efforts to broaden its ranks since Kramer took the helm, a move that has already seen the launch of the $500 million “Academy 100” campaign and the expansion of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in September .
Global Cinema Leadership Special Award
Following the discussion, Kramer will be presented with TIFF’s Global Cinema Leadership Special Award. The honor recognises his “significant contributions to the development of the global film industry and the advancement of film culture.” The accolade arrives just weeks after Kramer steered the Academy through a transformative period that emphasized diversity, international outreach, and a broader definition of cinematic excellence.
Later that afternoon, the Academy will host a private reception for its worldwide members, offering a rare networking opportunity in the heart of Tokyo. Although the event is invitation-only, it underscores the Academy’s commitment to fostering a truly global community of creators, scholars, and industry leaders.
Cross-border conversation with Toho Co on Oct. 29
Strategic dialogue with Hiro Matsuoka
The program’s second day pivots to a public conversation between Kramer and Hiro Matsuoka President and CEO of Toho Co. The dialogue, also set for Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall, will dissect the current state of the global film landscape weighing the merits of theatrical releases against the surge of streaming platforms, and charting pathways for deeper cross-border collaboration.
Matsuoka brings a résumé that includes Toho’s overseas expansions—most notably the acquisitions of GKIDS and Anime Limited—and the production of the Oscar-winning “Godzilla Minus One.” Under his leadership, Toho recorded its strongest box-office performance in 2025, and he now serves on the board of trustees of the Academy Museum. His insights are poised to complement Kramer’s vision for a more interconnected industry, echoing TIFF’s theme of connection across cultural and geographic borders.
Implications for distribution and partnership
Both executives will examine how traditional theatrical windows can coexist with the rise of on-demand streaming, a topic that has dominated industry debates since the pandemic. Their joint remarks are expected to highlight concrete steps—such as co-productions, shared licensing agreements, and talent-exchange programs—that could reshape the economics of film distribution on a worldwide scale.
Attendance at both October 28 and 29 events is free, though advance reservations are required. The open-access format aligns with TIFF’s commitment to making high-level industry discourse available to a broad audience, from seasoned professionals to aspiring filmmakers.
Beyond the Academy-centric sessions, the festival continues to offer a slew of screenings, workshops, and market opportunities. With tickets on sale since October 17, cinema lovers can explore a lineup that spans everything from Japanese auteur works to bold international debuts, all while witnessing the Academy’s historic first foray into Asia.
