The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled its animation programming for the upcoming festival, which is scheduled to run from October 26 through November 4 across the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza districts. The festival’s "Animation Section" will highlight several upcoming theatrical projects, including Masanao Kawajiri’s original film Cherry and Virgin, slated for a 2027 release, and ghost – end of night, the latest project from director Shingo Natsume and studio Madhouse, which arrives in Japanese theaters on February 11, 2027.
Also featured in the animation lineup are Atsushi Nishigori’s Grotesqqque, arriving November 6, and Kōhei Kadowaki’s We Are Aliens, which premieres September 25. The festival is also dedicating a section to "Women Directors: Diverse Visions," which will showcase notable past works such as the 2019 hit Detective Conan: Fist of Blue Sapphire, the 2023 adaptation of Nao Iwamoto’s Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom, and the 2025 film adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda’s classic The Rose of Versailles.
Beyond the screenings, the festival’s industry component, TIFFCOM 2026, will host a series of seminars focused on the current state of the anime business. Programming includes discussions on international co-production financing, strategies for global IP expansion, and a deep dive into the 2025 overseas sales landscape featuring representatives from Nippon Animation and Production I.G.
With a mix of upcoming 2027 theatrical titles and established franchise hits, the festival provides a broad look at the industry's current trajectory. Which of the upcoming 2027 projects are you most interested in seeing reach the big screen?
