Documentary, Anime & Drama
Experience a curated selection of Japanese cinema exploring school life through multiple genres — featuring a thought-provoking documentary, an acclaimed anime blockbuster, and an award-winning dramatic mystery.
The screening of The Making of a Japanese on 16 October will be followed by an online Director's Talk & Q&A with director Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
Massey Theatre
Dominion Museum Building
15 Buckle Street, Mount Cook, Wellington
Capacity: 155 seats available per screening
小学校〜それは小さな社会〜
Director: Ema Ryan Yamazaki | Runtime: 100 mins (2024)
Follows children and teachers at a Japanese public primary school over the course of a year. Through everyday practices such as school cleaning and lunch duties, director Ema Ryan Yamazaki captures Japanese school warmly and quietly, without judgement.
Offering a rare and intimate glimpse into Japan's world-renowned education system, The Making of a Japanese reveals how responsibility, empathy, and community are nurtured from an early age. Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, whose acclaimed documentaries explore Japanese society and culture, this insightful and thought-provoking film invites audiences to reflect on the values that shape a community. Both heartwarming and eye-opening, it is a fascinating portrait of childhood, education, and everyday life in Japan.
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka | Runtime: 85 mins (2024)
Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High's volleyball club to be like his idol, the "Little Giant." Teaming up with his former rival Tobio Kageyama, their clashing styles form an unexpected weapon. Can they beat Nekoma High in the long-awaited "Dumpster Battle"?
A thrilling adaptation of one of the most beloved matches in the acclaimed Based on the internationally acclaimed Haikyu!! series, which has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, this film brings one of the franchise's most beloved rivalries to the big screen. A major box-office hit in Japan, Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle combines spectacular animation, exhilarating sports action, and heartfelt storytelling, making it an exciting experience for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda | Runtime: 126 mins (2023)
When young Minato starts behaving strangely, his mother suspects that a schoolteacher is responsible and confronts the school. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of the mother, teacher, and child, the truth gradually emerges.
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda is an internationally acclaimed Japanese filmmaker known for his sensitive and moving portrayals of family and society. His award-winning films, including Shoplifters and Like Father, Like Son, have captivated audiences worldwide, establishing him as one of the most influential directors in contemporary cinema.
