Tony Rayns, British Critic and Champion of East Asian Cinema, Dies at 78

Jul 8, 2026 5:05am PT Tony Rayns, British Critic and Champion of East Asian Cinema, Dies at 78

By Naman Ramachandran

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Naman Ramachandran

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Tony Rayns, the British writer, festival programmer and screenwriter who spent decades introducing Western audiences to East Asian cinema, has died at 78.

He was found deceased at his home on July 7 following an accidental fall down his stairs, according to his sister, Stephanie Gowman, in an email to Variety.

Gowman said Rayns’ death was unexpected, coming after a short period of no contact that had raised concerns among friends and family for his welfare.