JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL
Wellington 17- 21 September at Penthouse Cinema & Cafe
Upper Hutt 12, 13 October At Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Welcome to the Anticipation and Excitement of the Japanese Film Festival 2024 on the occasion of the Japan Festival! Building upon the resounding success of our previous festival, we are thrilled to bring you another unforgettable cinematic experience.
Prepare to embark on a journey through the captivating realm of cinema as we showcase a diverse selection of films. From human documentary-like stories to heartwarming narratives, our carefully curated lineup of six films promises to cater to every cinematic taste.
Our commitment to fostering connection and creativity remains unwavering. We aim to bring New Zealanders to a greater understanding of Japan and its culture, and to celebrate Japanese cinema. Join us as we celebrate the art of storytelling, ignite discussions, and inspire new perspectives.
Whether you're a seasoned film fan or simply seeking entertainment, there's something for everyone at the Japanese Film Festival. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to immerse yourself!
All films will be in Japanese with English subtitles.
The
Dancing
Okami
レディ加賀
Wellington Sat 21 Sep 3pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sat 12 Oct 10:30am Get Ticket
Director:
SAIGA Toshiro Year:
2024 Rating:
PG
Length: 108 min
Genre:
Dance, Comedy
Introduction
With the popularity of sushi culture and animation, “the
spirit of Japan”
is conveyed to people all over the world. Among them is
the culture of Okami (the proprietresses of Japanese
inns).
An Okami will welcome guests with all sorts of
backgrounds, and treat them with the utmost hospitality
so they would have a beautiful memory of their enjoyable
stay.
The film celebrates the rich tradition of soulful music and dance in Japan, showcasing the protagonist's journey of resilience and rebirth.
We hope you enjoy the mingling of Japan and the West; Japan's hospitality and its beautiful scenery of four seasons, with the Western tap dance. After you have watched this movie, we hope you will fee“l the spirit of Japan”is something that can be shared throughout the world!
Yudo
湯道
Wellington Sat 21 Sep 5:30pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sat 12 Oct 1pm Get Ticket
Director: SUZUKI
Masayuki Year:
2023 Rating:
PG
Length: 126 min
Genre: Drama
Introduction
“Yudo” is a heartwarming Japanese film that
immerses
viewers in the unique cultural tradition of
Japanese bathing.
Shiro Miura, a young architect who reluctantly returns to his rural hometown. He plans to close down his family's old bathhouse, and replace it with modern condominiums. However, his plans are thwarted by his younger brother Goro, who has been running the bathhouse since their father's death...
“Yudo” is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, offering a refreshing take on the importance of tradition, family, and community. The film promises to leave audiences laughing, crying, and feeling rejuvenated, much like a visit to a soothing hot spring. Experience the magic of “Yudo” and discover the healing power of Japan's bathing culture.
Father Of
The
Milky Way Railroad
銀河鉄道の父
Wellington Tue 17 Sep 6pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sat 12 Oct 3:45pm Get Ticket
Director:
NARUSHIMA
Izuru Year:
2023 Rating:
M
Length: 128 min
Genre:
Drama, Family
Introduction
Starring YAKUSHO Koji, who recently received
the
award for Best Actor at Cannes for Perfect
Days
(2023), and directed by NARUSHIMA Izuru,
this
powerful biopic details the life of
legendary
poet
and novelist MIYAZAWA Kenji, one of Japan's
most
beloved children's authors.
As the eldest son of Masajiro, a wealthy pawnbroker, Kenji was raised with the expectation that he would one day inherit the family business. However, the free-spirited Kenji is determined to walk his own path in life, and takes it upon himself to pursue agricultural studies, synthetic gemstones and other eccentric ventures, despite his father's bewilderment.
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, this incredible story depicts the power of family and unconditional love that endures through times of hardship.
Tsugaru
Lacquer Girl
バカ塗の娘
Wellington Thu 19 Sep 6pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sun 13 Oct 10:30pm Get Ticket
Director:
Tsuruoka Keiko Year:
2023 Rating:
PG
Length: 118 min
Genre:
Drama
Introduction
Tsugaru Lacquer Girl is a poignant and
inspiring
film set in northern Japan. It
follows the journey of Miyako Aoki who struggles to find
her path after high school, her only solace is helping
her
father, a Tsugaru lacquerware craftsman.
However, as the traditional craft industry
declines.
Despite the challenges, Miyako feels a deep connection to Tsugaru-nuri, a meticulous and sustainable Japanese craft known for its repeated application of lacquer. As she grapples with her family's expectations and the future of the craft, Miyako embarks on a courageous journey...
Directed by Keiko Tsuruoka, known for her award-winning films like “The Town of Whales” and “Lingering Memories,” this film beautifully captures the essence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the resilience of the human spirit. Tsuruoka's storytelling, combined with the rich cultural backdrop, makes this film a must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt narratives and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The Zen
Diary
土を喰らう十ニケ月
Wellington Wed 18 Sep 6pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sun 13 Oct 1:15pm Get Ticket
Director:
NAKAE Yuji Year:
2022 Rating:
PG
Length: 111 min
Genre: Drama
Introduction
Enter the peaceful world of Tsutomu, a man
who
finds solace in the mountains, writing
essays
and cooking with the vegetables he grows and
mushrooms he picks. His tranquil routine is
delightfully interrupted by visits from
Machiko,
his editor and love interest, who savors the
meals he prepares. Despite his contentment,
Tsutomu struggles to let go of his wife's
ashes,
even 13 years after her passing.
Directed by the renowned Yuji Nakae, this film is inspired by Tsutomu Mizukami's 1978 book on seasonal cooking. Nakae's careful direction captures the essence of living in harmony with nature, with filming spanning 18 months to authentically depict all four seasons.
The film's culinary scenes, featuring dishes like spinach dressed with sesame and young bamboo shoots cooked in stock, are a visual and soulful delight. These meals, rooted in Zen Buddhist traditions, highlight the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in every aspect of life.
Under The
Open
Sky
すばらしき世界
Wellington Fri 20 Sep 6pm Sold Out
Upper Hutt Sun 13 Oct 3:45pm Get Ticket
Director:
NISHIKAWA Miwa Year:
2021 Rating:
M
Length: 126 min
Genre: Drama
Introduction
“Under the Open Sky” is a compelling
Japanese
film that delves into the life of Mikami, a
middle-aged ex-yakuza who has spent most of
his
life in prison. After serving many years for
murder, Mikami is released and embarks on a
quest to find his long-lost mother. His
journey
is fraught with challenges as he struggles
to
reintegrate into society...
Directed by Miwa Nishikawa, the film is inspired by Ryuzo Saki's novel “Mibuncho” and offers a poignant exploration of the difficulties faced by ex-convicts in a society that is often unforgiving. Nishikawa's meticulous research and dedication to portraying the real-life struggles of ex-convicts shine through in this adaptation. The film's title, “Subarashiki Sekai” (Wonderful World), is an ironic nod to the harsh realities and fleeting moments of beauty in life.
Starring the acclaimed actor Koji Yakusho, the Best Actor Award at 2023 Cannnes Fil Festival for his leading role in "Perfect Days", as Mikami, the film promises a powerful performance that captures the essence of a man grappling with his past and seeking redemption. “Under the Open Sky” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that invites audiences to reflect on themes of forgiveness, societal reintegration, and the human spirit's resilience.
Organiser
In Cooperation with
