Wim Wenders and Koji Yakusho Named Guests of Honor at 43rd Istanbul Film Festival
The 43rd Istanbul Film Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) under the sponsorship of N Kolay, is currently hosting two prominent figures in the world of cinema – Wim Wenders, a leading director, and Koji Yakusho, a well-known actor from Japan.
The festival, which will conclude on April 28, has been a hub for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Wenders and Yakusho were welcomed as guests of honor, and a special press conference was held for them at Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts on Friday, April 26. The event, organized in collaboration with MUBI, was moderated by cinema critic Engin Ertan and attended by Istanbul Film Festival Director Kerem Ayan and MUBI’s founder and CEO Efe Çakarel.
During the press conference, Wim Wenders expressed his happiness about visiting Istanbul for the first time, stating, “I have been waiting for this moment for 78 years. Istanbul is a very beautiful city, and I am very happy to finally be here.” On the other hand, Koji Yakusho shared his excitement about accepting the invitation to the festival, mentioning his long-held desire to visit Istanbul ever since his youth, inspired by a song titled “Flying to Istanbul / Tonde Istanbul” by Japanese musician Mayo Shouno.
The duo engaged with the press, answering questions about their work and experiences in the film industry. The meeting also saw the presence of key individuals involved in Wenders’ film “Perfect Days,” including producer Koji Yanai, co-producer Takuma Takasaki, who co-wrote the script with Wim Wenders, and co-producer Chisato Minami.
As the Istanbul Film Festival continues to showcase an array of international and domestic films, the presence of Wim Wenders and Koji Yakusho has added a special touch to this year’s edition, bringing together cinema lovers from around the world.
