The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) came to a close on Sunday with the big winner being “Eastern Plays.” A Bulgarian film directed by Kamen Kalev (photo center), it tells the story of two brothers dealing with racial intolerance in Eastern Europe. The movie won the Sakura Grand Prix award as well as Best Actor for Christo Cristov. Jury president Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (director of “Babel”) commented, “I was looking for films that generated emotions and reflections in me and ‘Eastern Plays’ did this,” he said. “This film has a truth that stands out – it has clear intentions and the director achieved that until the end. I’m not looking for reality but truthfulness. The film has a solid and strong exposure of the truth.” Other winners included Julie Gayet, who won Best Actress for the French drama “Eight Times Up”; Sebastián Cordero, who took the Special Jury Prize for the Spanish romance “Rabia.” Jacob Tierney was given the Audience Award for the Canadian comedy “The Trotsky.” The Japanese Eyes: Best Picture Award went to director Matsue Tetsuaki, who shot his film “Live Tape” in the western Tokyo suburb of Kichijoji.
• All media eyes will be on the Tokyo District Court today for the trial of former top idol singer Sakai Noriko (38). All the networks are planning to provide live coverage from outside the court. Charged with possession and use of amphetamines, the focus of the case is expected to be on just how heavy a user Sakai was. Her husband, Takaso Yuichi (41), had a one-day trial on the same charges last week and will receive his verdict next month.
Earlier stories:
Sakai Noriko Out, Gives Brief Press Conference (Sep. 18, 2009)
Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Noripi (Aug. 7, 2009)