Sister Brother Manhole Cover wins Tokyo festival’s top prize

Sister Brother Manhole Cover won the top prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival, which ran from October 26 to November 4, 2026.

The film is by Macedonian filmmaker Milcho Manchevski and follows siblings in post-Communist Macedonia who steal bronze busts and manhole covers to make a living.

After one sibling is injured, the pair come into contact with the Macedonian underworld.

The Grand Prix, also called the Governor of Tokyo Award, came with a cash prize of $19,000.

Other festival awards went to films and filmmakers from countries including Singapore, Argentina, France, Hong Kong, Japan and Serbia.

In the Asian Future competition for emerging Asian filmmakers, Tareq Daoud’s Afghan film Serife Tavsan won Best Film.

The festival announced its awards on its closing day, and no further steps are stated.