The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, was chosen for the Opening screening of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival, held on October 22 at Tokyo’s TOHO CINEMAS Roppongi Hills. Masterful director Robert Zemeckis and producer Jack Rapke were in attendance at the opening to present the film.

 
A smiling Zemeckis was full of emotion as he spoke to the audience. “I am very much honoured for my work to be featured as the opener of the Tokyo International Film Festival. I’d like to give thanks on behalf of the staff, cast, the entire crew, and Sony Pictures.”
 
The Walk is a 3D film that tells the true story of France’s Philippe Petit, who in 1974 performed the seemingly impossible feat of walking between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center on a high wire, 411 metres above the ground with no lifeline.
 
In a fervent speech Zemeckis said of the film, “I was drawn to Petit’s character, and the passion he had to chase his dream. As an artist, he possesses the very strong desire to express his feelings. No matter what comes, there’s no stopping him.” Zemeckis professed that he felt a strong sense of purpose towards the film, saying, “He (Petit) creates a spectacle that is almost like ballet. I kept thinking that I had to put this on film, and that it would make a fantastic movie.”
 
Producer Rapke alluded to the strong feeling of mutual trust between Zemeckis and Petit, saying, “Petit had complete faith in the director and said to us, ‘If I leave it up to you (Zemeckis), my feelings will be conveyed on film properly.’” He praised the director, saying, “Only Zemeckis has the talent to take that moment of stepping out onto the wire and transform it into an image so wonderfully.” Zemeckis took pride in the intensity of the shots, saying, “Petit wanted everyone (in the audience) to be able to really sense what his experience was like, and I tried to reflect that as much as possible.”
 
At the opening ceremony before the film, president of jury and director of X-Men: Days of Future Past, Bryan Singer gave a speech on behalf of all the judges. He said about the festival’s Competition section, which features entries from a variety of genres including drama, comedy and horror, “It’s going to be challenging to judge, but I feel honoured to work together with so many talented juries.” The opening was hosted by TIFF Festival Navigators, actress and model KIWA and Masao Nomura.
 
The 28th Tokyo International Film Festival runs until October 31. The Walk will screen in cinemas nationwide from January 23, 2016.

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