Australian Filmmaker Rolf de Heer to Lead Tokyo Film Festival Jury in 2026

Veteran Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer has been tapped to preside over the International Competition jury at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, set to run from October 26 to November 4, 2026.

De Heer, whose career spans four decades and includes acclaimed works like Bad Boy Bubby, The Tracker, Ten Canoes and Charlie’s Country, will oversee the selection of major awards including the Tokyo Grand Prix, Special Jury Prize, and honors for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Artistic Contribution. The festival’s competition lineup is expected to be announced October 1, with the remaining jury members to follow.

The Tasmania-based filmmaker has directed 15½ feature films while producing or co-producing 21 others. His 1993 film Bad Boy Bubby captured the Special Jury Prize at Venice, while Ten Canoes earned the same distinction at Cannes in 2006. His most recent work, The Survival of Kindness, competed at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival and won the FIPRESCI Prize.

De Heer frequently collaborated with late Indigenous Australian actor David Gulpilil, whose performance in Charlie’s Country earned him Best Actor at Cannes in 2014.

In remarks about the appointment, de Heer expressed enthusiasm about reviewing the 15 competition films selected for the festival. He noted that his busy schedule as a working filmmaker leaves little time for catching films on the big screen.

Festival director Takeo Hisamatsu praised de Heer’s distinctive perspective and extensive experience, saying his appointment will enrich discussions around the competition.

The 2026 festival will also feature an Australia Spotlight section in partnership with the Australian Embassy in Japan, showcasing local cinema and screening de Heer’s recent work.