The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival has announced a range of cultural programs to accompany its main competition. These include a 13-film retrospective honoring the late Japanese filmmaker Mizoguchi Kenji, a symposium discussing the possibility of a new international anime award, and a special event marking the 10th anniversary of the festival’s Teens Cinema Workshop. The Mizoguchi tribute, which runs alongside the festival, celebrates the director’s legacy 70 years after his death. Mizoguchi, known for his poetic storytelling and influence on both Japanese and international cinema, directed classics such as Ugetsu and Sansho the Bailiff. The symposium on anime aims to bring together industry leaders, creators, and scholars to explore the potential for a new, globally recognized award that would highlight excellence in the medium. While anime has gained international popularity, especially through streaming platforms and major film releases, a formal award system has yet to be established. This discussion reflects the growing interest in recognizing anime as a serious art form on a global stage. The Teens Cinema Workshop, which began in 2014, has provided young filmmakers with opportunities to develop their skills through mentorship, training, and exhibition. The 10th-anniversary celebration will feature retrospectives of past participants’ work, along with panel discussions and workshops aimed at inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. This program underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and promoting cinema as an evolving art form. In addition to these highlights, the festival will feature a variety of other cultural events, including film screenings, artist talks, and interactive installations. These programs aim to engage a broad audience and reinforce the festival’s role as a hub for cinematic and cultural exchange. The Tokyo International Film Festival continues to be a key event in the global film calendar, drawing attention from filmmakers, critics, and movie enthusiasts around the world.