Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is pleased to announce this year’s Opening and Closing Films, as well as a newly added Gala Screening event. A Star Is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut, and co-starring Lady Gaga in her screen debut, will open the festival on October 25. GODZILLA: The Planet Eater, co-directed by Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita, the final entry in the landmark animated “Godzilla” trilogy, will close the festival on November 3, which is Godzilla’s birthday. TIFF will also hold a Gala Screening event on October 29, presenting the world premiere of Japanese film The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi starring Ryoko Shinohara and Hidetoshi Nishijima.
 
In addition to Roppongi Hills and EX Theater Roppongi, a new venue is being added this year: the Hibiya Step Square. The red carpet will roll out in Roppongi on the first day of the festival, welcoming stars and filmmakers from across the globe, as well as for TIFF’s special red carpet event for the Gala Screening, with the cast from the film.
 
The 31st TIFF will take place from October 25 to November 3, 2018.
 

OPENING FILM
A Star Is Born (2018/USA)

Director: Bradley Cooper
Cast: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
Release Date (Japan): December 21, 2018
Distribution (Japan): Warner Brothers Pictures Japan

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Struggling artist Ally meets famous singer Jackson Maine, who falls in love with her and helps her reach stardom. When Jackson’s star begins to fade, he is forced to fight his internal demons.
 

GALA SCREENING
The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps (2018/Japan)
– World Premiere

Director: Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Cast: Ryoko Shinohara, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Rina Kawaei
Release Date (Japan): November 16, 2018
Distribution (Japan): Shochiku

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The daughter of a couple whose marriage is about to end falls into a coma after nearly drowning in a pool. What decision will the couple make? Will the outcome be a tragedy or a miracle?
 

CLOSING FILM
GODZILLA: The Planet Eater (2018/Japan)

Director: Kobun Shizuno, Hiroyuki Seshita
Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Takahiro Sakurai, Kana Hanazawa
Release Date (Japan): November 9, 2018
Distribution (Japan): Toho Visual Entertainment

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The final chapter of the landmark animated ”Godzilla” trilogy!
GODZILLA：The Planet Eater pits King of Destruction, Godzilla against God of the Void, Ghidorah. Is there a future vision in Haruo’s eyes?