Movies have become a significant part of our lives. We often take time off our busy schedules to indulge ourselves and spend a few hours watching a compelling story that leaves its mark on our hearts. As many of us already know, good quality cinema can stir emotions, educate people, and transport viewers to a different dimension entirely.
And since good movies come from all over the world, we jump at every chance we get to watch these films in length and understand the stories behind them.
Starting today, Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) brings back the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to give Filipino viewers a glimpse of Japanese culture through a series of films that premiered virtually.
“JFF will come back to celebrate and offer the beauty and diversity of Japanese cinema. JFF has continued to push for online streaming to accommodate more viewers and reach more audiences,” said JFM Director Suzuki Ben.
“At the heart of this year’s JFF are 20 outstanding films that will serve as a window to Japanese culture, one cinematic experience at a time,” he added.
These 20 impressive titles span different genres from bittersweet coming-of-age stories to thriller, sci-fi, comedy, documentaries, animation, and drama that promises to leave viewers with something memorable. Most importantly, these films highlight Japanese culture and history.
For instance, one of the movies, It’s a Summer Film!, tackles the story of a girl who’s passionate about samurai films and convinces a mysterious boy to make a film together that transcends time and space. This coming-of-age masterpiece incorporates elements of science fiction while providing a fresh look at young people who are serious about filmmaking.
Another film is Under the Open Sky. This award-winning film tells the story of a former yakuza’s struggles to be accepted by society, even as he tries to live an earnest life.
In the meantime, The God of Ramen is a moving documentary about a man who started a legendary ramen shop in Tokyo. This uniquely moving film is a record of a man’s uncompromising attitude expressed to its fullest.
Other films in the festival’s line-up Mio’s Cookbook, Masked Ward, Aristocrats, and more.
Besides watching movies, those at the JFM also know that a person’s love for cinema also translates to an interest in understanding them better. To satiate viewers’ curiosity about the basics of Japanese films, JFM also prepared a free two-part online event titled “Let’s Talk about Japanese Films!” available to interested participants even outside the Philippines.
The first session, titled “Your Guide to Japanese Films,” is moderated by Tito Valiente and joined by panelists, professors Daisuke Miyao and Nick Deocampo, and film director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.
Meanwhile, the second event titled “Inside the World of JFF 2022 Films” will have Richard Bolisay as moderator and feature five young film critics, namely, Skilty Labastilla, Princess Kinoc, Janus Nolasco, and Stephanie Mayo.
So despite the distance and travel restrictions, the JFM, through the 2022 JFF, brings Japanese culture closer to Filipinos using the power of cinema.
JFF runs until Feb. 27. Watch the featured films on https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2022/philippines/.