Tokyo Film Festival Kicks Off with Epic Biopic of Trailblazing Mountaineer Junko Tabei

Everest Pioneer Tabei Junko Biopic 'Climbing for Life' to Open Tokyo Film Festival The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival has chosen "Climbing for Life," a biographical drama about legendary mountaineer Tabei Junko, as its opening night selection. The film, directed by Sakamoto Junji, chronicles the true story of Tabei, who made history in 1975 as the first woman to summit Mount Everest. The movie stars Yoshinaga Sayuri as Tabei, marking her first collaboration with Sakamoto since "A Chorus of Angels" (2012). Climbing for Life has been generating buzz in the industry, with many praising its inspiring story and strong performances. "This film is a testament to Tabei's remarkable spirit and determination," said Tokyo International Film Festival director, Misgaru Koji. "We are thrilled to have it as our opening night selection." Tabei Junko's achievement was a groundbreaking moment in mountaineering history, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world. The film's release is expected to spark renewed interest in Tabei's life and accomplishments. "Climbing for Life" also highlights the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields, making it a timely and thought-provoking addition to this year's festival lineup. The Tokyo International Film Festival has been running since 1988 and has established itself as one of Asia's premier film events. Past opening night selections have included films like "Parasite" (2019) and "Shoplifters" (2018), both of which went on to receive international acclaim. "Climbing for Life" is set to premiere on October 16, with a limited release in Japan following the festival. The film's success has already generated interest among distributors, with several companies expressing interest in acquiring the rights for international distribution. The Tokyo International Film Festival will take place from October 15-22 at the Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo. The event is expected to attract thousands of film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. In related news, Sakamoto Junji's previous films have received critical acclaim, including "A Chorus of Angels" (2012) and "The Last Day" (2005). Yoshinaga Sayuri has also established herself as a talented actress in Japanese cinema, with notable roles in "Departures" (2008) and "The Kirishima Thing" (2001). As the Tokyo International Film Festival prepares to kick off, "Climbing for Life" is set to take center stage. With its inspiring true story, strong performances, and timely themes, this biopic is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on film enthusiasts worldwide. *Reporting by Variety.*