Milcho Manchevski’s 'Sister Brother Manhole Cover' Claims Top Honor at Tokyo Film Festival
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival concluded its run with Milcho Manchevski taking home the Tokyo Grand Prix for his comic allegory, alongside top wins for Lisandro Alonso, Sun Xun, and other international filmmakers.
Published 4 November 2026
Tokyo Grand Prix Goes to Manchevski's Allegory
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival wrapped up its schedule on a high note at Hulic Hall, weathering a steady drizzle outside to celebrate the year's top cinematic achievements. Milcho Manchevski earned the prestigious Tokyo Grand Prix for his film 'Sister Brother Manhole Cover', a comic allegory following two siblings who collect scrap metal from the streets of Skopje.
Jury president Rolf de Heer praised the winning entry for displaying deep humanity and compassion toward its characters, highlighting its balance of playfulness and complexity. The victory brings a cash prize of JPY3 million, roughly equivalent to $19,000, for the production.
Unusual Premise and International Collaboration
The winning narrative centers on Viktor and Malina, who make their living by stealing copper busts and manhole covers from public spaces. A sudden accident involving a heavy bronze bust sends the pair tumbling into the depths of the North Macedonian capital, setting off the main events of the story.
This project marks Manchevski's first fiction feature since his previous work 'Kaymak'. It was brought to life as an extensive international co-production involving entities from North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Directing and Acting Honors Awarded
Beyond the grand prize, several other directors and performers were recognized for their standout contributions to world cinema. Lisandro Alonso claimed the best director prize for 'Double Freedom', a feature presenting the unraveling life of a solitary forest woodcutter forced to take in his sister.
In the acting categories, Hu Ling earned the best actress accolade for her portrayal of a grieving Shanghai dormitory manager in Wang Jiangyong's feature 'The Night That Binds Us'. Meanwhile, Narita Ryo captured the best actor trophy for his performance in Mishima Yukiko's 'Two Cigarettes, Three Nights'.
Special Jury Prize and Animated Craftsmanship
The Special Jury Prize, backed by JPY500,000 or about $3,200, went to Sun Xun's animated feature 'Magic Atlas'. The artist spent roughly a decade bringing the Singaporean project to fruition, depicting an orphan who inherits a magical book to reclaim memories buried by an authoritarian regime.
Juror Oh Jungwan specifically commended the extraordinary craftsmanship visible in the animation, which transitions dynamically between traditional ink-wash paintings and medieval European engravings.
Additional Category Winners and Special Awards
Jelena Maksimović secured the best artistic contribution award for her directorial debut 'Until the Day Ends', which follows two young individuals taking a road trip during the 2024 protests in Serbia. Meanwhile, the audience award went to Teodora Ana Mihai for 'Heysel 85', a cinematic recreation of the tragic 1985 Brussels stadium disaster.
Special accolades were also distributed across regional and thematic sections. The Kurosawa Akira Award honored O Mipo and Mohammad Rasoulof, while Academy CEO Bill Kramer received the Global Cinema Leadership Special Award.
Closing Out with a Thrilling Finale
The festival officially closed with the screening of Yeon Sang-ho's South Korean zombie thriller 'Colony', which is set inside a high-rise building sealed off after a dangerous bioterror attack. The screening featured appearances by the director alongside star Koo Kyo-hwan and producer Yang Yoomin.
Festival director Hisamatsu Takeo used his closing remarks to look ahead to the milestone 40th edition of the event next year. The ceremony itself adhered strictly to a precise schedule, concluding right on time inside the venue.
News Overview
Milcho Manchevski's 'Sister Brother Manhole Cover' won the Tokyo Grand Prix at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival. The event also celebrated wins for directors and actors across multiple competitive categories before closing with a screening of 'Colony'.
Key facts
- Milcho Manchevski directed 'Sister Brother Manhole Cover'.
- The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival took place on Wednesday.
- The Tokyo Grand Prix carries a prize of JPY3 million.
- Lisandro Alonso won best director for 'Double Freedom'.
- Hu Ling won best actress for 'The Night That Binds Us'.
- Narita Ryo won best actor for 'Two Cigarettes, Three Nights'.