Film Festivals Announce Major Titles, Honorees, and Opening/Closing Films

The international film festival circuit is buzzing with early announcements for upcoming events. The Tokyo Film Festival will open with Zeze Takahisa’s musical drama ‘Sukiyaki’ and close with Yeon Sang-ho’s zombie thriller ‘Colony,’ while Takashi Yamazaki’s ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ has been selected as the Centerpiece film. Meanwhile, the Zurich Film Festival is set to honor acclaimed U.S. actress Julianne Moore with its Golden Icon Award.

Further festival news includes the Venice Film Festival facing controversy over its lineup, with criticism regarding low American representation, a lack of female directors in competition, and the inclusion of a controversial Russian film. The Vancouver International Film Festival will open with Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut ‘The Debut,’ starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, and close with Martin McDonagh’s ‘Wild Horse Nine.’ Additionally, Luca Guadagnino’s film ‘Artificial,’ centered on the Sam Altman saga, is slated for premieres at both the New York and London Film Festivals.