As COVID-19 sweeps across the world, many film festivals have had to cancel, postpone, or limit the scope and scale of their programs. We, too, have been wrestling with the dilemma of whether or not to hold this year's Tokyo International Film Festival.

It is only natural that our society should aim to reinvigorate economic activity. But we also need something that enriches our hearts and gives us courage as we face the spread of this infectious disease. We believe that this is what the arts and culture provide, and that cinema, an art form enjoyed by many, has a vital role to play.

The Tokyo International Film Festival has therefore decided to organize a physical event this year while taking adequate measures to prevent the further spread of infection, so that we may once again remind our audiences of the joy of watching movies in the theaters. We hope to reinforce the power of cinema by deepening ties between the Japanese and international film communities.

Of course, given the circumstances this year, opening a physical festival will require many restrictions, which will call for much creativity. As it will be difficult to invite international jury members, guests, and journalists, in place of our International Competition, we have decided to establish the Tokyo Premiere 2020 section, which will present outstanding films from both Japan and abroad. We also plan to make effective use of online platforms.

We also plan to present events in which we can hold discussions about how to make way for a new culture for the visual medium amidst and beyond the pandemic.
We humbly request your continued support and cooperation this year.

We've decided to physically hold the 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival, while festivals worldwide have been canceled or shifted online in the wake of COVID-19. We came to this decision because movies are meant to be enjoyed in movie theaters with other movie fans, and the festival is a part of the host-city's charm.

At the same time, understanding that we cannot invite guests from overseas, we will hold Q&A sessions with directors and actors online, so more guests can participate, and more movie fans can enjoy the event.

Furthermore, in "Tokyo Premier 2020", the new showcase category for films from around the globe, which replaces the previous three competition categories, 25 out of 32 are world premieres, 23 are by directors who have directed no more than three feature films, and 12 are the director's first-ever feature film.
We hope that you enjoy the works that will be unveiled in Tokyo more than ever, and please look forward to meeting more great new talents than ever before.