IN CELEBRATION of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month 2009, the Consular Office of Japan in Davao and The Japan Foundation, Manila is all set to give the people of Davao a glimpse of Japanese life and culture via its line-up of eight contemporary Japanese films which will be shown at the Cinema 1 of the Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre Street, Davao City on July 18 and July 19.

The Japanese Film Festival, titled "Eiga Sai 2009" aims to bolster further the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan by continuously providing an opportunity for Filipinos to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Japanese arts and culture explored in this medium. This year's offering brings together seven contemporary films and one anime.

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The films to be featured on July 18 are The Milkwoman directed by Ogata Akira at 10 a.m., the anime film Mind Game by director by Masaaki Yuasa at 1 p.m.

Tony Takitani directed Ichikawa Jun at 3 p.m., and Always-Sunset on Third Street by director Yamazaki Takashi at 4:30 p.m.

On July 19, the featured films will be Turn Over directed by Nomura Keiichi at 10 a.m., Kamome Diner directed by Ogigami Naoko at 1 p.m., Memories of Tomorrow directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko at 3 p.m. and Memories of Matsuko by director by Nakashima Tetsuya at 5:15 p.m.

According to Japanese Consul Hiroshi Mitsuya, the Film Festival or Eiga Sai is an opportunity for the people of Davao and Mindanao, in general, to have a better understanding of the life and culture of the Japanese represented in the films.

The Eiga Sai 2009 is open to the public and will be shown with English subtitles. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Admission is free. For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, you may contact the Consular Office of Japan in Davao at (082) 221-3100.