Japanese Film Festival 2024: Ten of The Best From Japanese Cinema
The Japanese Film Festival returns this year with a program of ten of the finest Japanese feature films of the last year. There’s a variety of comedies, dramas, romance and anime, which should ensure there’s a movie for all tastes.
Festival Director Manisay Oudomvilay explained that the size of the program varies each year, and that the quality of films is more important than quantity.
“Our team of programmers always aims to curate a quality program that showcases the best of Japanese cinema, while appealing to the tastes of Australian moviegoers and I definitely think we have achieved that with this program.”
This year the film festival screens in two venues which is a sign of the escalating popularity of Japanese cinema.
“Every year, we’re blown away by the demand for Japanese films in Australia, and the popularity of the festival seems to keep surpassing previous years. This year in Sydney, our films will screen at Palace Norton Street and the newly added venue Palace Moore Park, which accommodates larger numbers of cinemagoers,” enthused Oudomvilay.
The opening night film is the Australian premiere of Mom, Is That You, a heart-warming drama directed by film veteran Yoji Yamada.
“This is Yamada’s 90th film and audiences can expect to be blown away by this uplifting drama that captures the ever-evolving nature of family relationships. With its lovable characters and relatable storyline, this is a film the whole family will enjoy.”
Festival attendees always look forward to anime features at this film festival and The Imaginary, described as an animated masterpiece directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, won’t disappoint. Japan is the birthplace of anime and when asked why Japanese anime is regarded as the best in the world, Oudomvilay was quick to respond.
“The artistry of the Japanese animation industry is simply unmatched and is known for showcasing incredible attention to detail, and visually stunning background art. It also explores a wide range of themes. Many of these anime stories are extremely complex and feature imaginative storylines, making them enjoyable to watch for both adults and children alike.”
If you’re a romantic at heart Oudomvilay highly recommends the coming-of-age love story Our Secret Diary which is adapted from the best-selling novel by Sakura Liyo.
“It delves on two teenagers who are brought together through an awkward misunderstanding and a secret diary exchange. When the main character discovers a one-line love letter in her desk, she’s shocked to see that it comes from her high school’s heartthrob and the object of everyone’s affections! She learns a painful truth: these words of love were not intended for her, but for her best friend.”
Oudomvilay believes the Japanese Film Festival is suitable for all audiences regardless of ethnicity.
“Every year, we love getting to showcase aspects of Japanese culture that audiences may not have previously been familiar with. And of course, all JFF screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles, so knowing the language is not necessary at all to enjoy these amazing titles.”
Hot Picks at the Japanese Film Festival 2024
OUT – Action lovers this movie is for you! A high-stakes delinquent drama based on the manga series of the same name, full of dynamic fight scenes and witty dialogue. This captivating film isn’t your typical gang story!
SHADOW OF FIRE – Cult director Shinya Tsukamoto delivers a powerful portrait of the lives of Japanese citizens after the war with his latest film. Written, directed and produced by Tsukamoto, this story of love, loss and perseverance is bound to burn a mark in the hearts and minds of audiences.
THE DANCING OKAMI – Traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern dance in this heartfelt musical comedy. Directed by Toshiro Saiga, it chronicles a protagonist’s inspiring journey to success, with the beautiful scenery of the Kaga Onsen region as its stage.
Oct 24 – 28. Palace Norton St & Moore Park.
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