Winners to the awards at the 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival were announced today at the Closing Ceremony.
After the announcement of the awards, a Press Conference was held for the Awards Winners and the President of International Competition Jury at Roppongi academyhills 49F Tower Hall.

At the Ceremony, Nir Bergman, the winner of the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix Award for his film, Intimate Grammar, started off by saying that he was sure his film was not going to win.

Nir Bergman (director): "My first feature film, Broken Wings won an award 8 years ago at the Tokyo International Film Festival. I believe that the process of making a film is important, not the prize, but after my second feature film, I realize that prizes are important to know my audience. Thank you so much for the wonderful award!"


At the Press Conference:

Nir Bergman (director): I am still so shocked and happy that I want to kiss this trophy! This is an amazing moment for us. I just want to kiss and hug Roee when I go home! I wish he could be here with us. 8 years ago we were here with Broken Wings. Back then I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't speak at all. I put all my life into my first film. But making a second film is usually much harder because people's expectations rise. That's why this award really means a lot to me.


Orly Zilbershatz (actress): A big honor! Arigato-gozaimasu! Roee will be very happy to have won this award since this is his first film. I wish I were nicer to him in the film! Many of the scenes I did were very difficult for me. I had to be bad to my son in almost an abusive way. As a mother of 3 children, this was so hard. Also, the immigrants who came to Israel reminded me of the Holocaust—my mother is from the Holocaust. This movie reminded me of things I didn't want to remember. But at the same time, having the opportunity to be a part of such a great film is a blessing when many people struggle to make films. My wish is that art will give hope to people and contribute to change the world.