Japanese Film Festival
Image: Opening night film of Japanese Film Festival, Dreaming of the Merdian Arc. Image: film still
The 26th Japanese Film Festival arrives in Sydney with a program of new and old films guaranteed to be of interest to lovers of fine world cinema.
The popularity of this festival has been increasing since its inception 26 years ago especially with the presentation of the online festival which screened a few years ago. This enabled audiences all over Australia to tune into the festival which would otherwise have been impossible.
The opening night film is the historical drama Dreaming of the Merdian Arc, a comedy which explores the true story of the man who finalised the first map of Japan. Audiences should be captivated by this enjoyable movie which was carefully curated to open the festival.
Japanese filmmakers are renowned for their quality animated features which are well received worldwide. “Anime is almost an artwork in Japan and you could create wallpaper from any screenshot in their films,” explained Festival Programmer Manisay Oudomvilay.
“Also, what’s appealing is that even though it’s animation it’s not necessarily for children. Anime doesn’t shy away from telling stories that are more serious and for grown ups and that’s what people love about them.”
The anime feature screening at this year’s festival is Blue Thermal, a heart-warming, feel-good, coming of age story set in a gliding sports club. The story dwells on the tournament and the relations within the team.
For lovers of classic movies the festival once again will be presenting a free program of movies for audiences to enjoy. This year focus will be on select films directed by Mikio Naruse.
“He’s not as well known internationally but his films are on the same level as some master Japanese directors. Four of his films which were beautifully filmed in black and white will be screened,” enthused Oudomvilay. “He’s mainly known for creating films which are set in post war era Japan and he focuses on family dramas and on the tension between the past and modernization in Japan.”
Moviegoers who have never attended a Japanese movie should come along and catch a few films as they will learn of the differences in filmmaking between Japan and the western world.
“It’s a great way of being exposed to different cinema, different perspectives and to view films in a different way in general,” concluded Oudomvilay.
HOT PICKS
Lesson In Murder – a psychological thriller that surrounds a convicted serial killer. A young man who can’t turn a blind eye to a killer is bewildered by what he uncovers.
Baby Assassins – an action comedy about two teenagers who are told by their boss they must stop being assassins and must become ordinary members of society. But will they?
Anime Supremacy – a live action drama which takes a look at the behind the scenes of the anime industry and the fierce battle for television ratings supremacy that develops between two anime programs.
December 7 – 14
Screening at all Palace cinemas.
www.japanesefilmfestival.net
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