THE Japan Foundation, Manila has announced the full line-up of films, guests and special talks for this year's Japanese Film Festival. To celebrate the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, 12 full-feature films of different genres will be shown at Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 2 from August 23 to 26. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Popularly known as Eigasai, this year's film festival is themed "A Celebration of Collaboration and Diversity" as it works hand in hand with other Japan Foundation arts, cultural and dialogue projects.
The Philippine-Japan Friendship Month began on July 4 with the film festival staging more than 100 screenings across five major cities nationwide, making stops in Manila, Davao, Bacolod, Naga and Cebu.
"The Eigasai has grown into one of the largest international film festivals in the Philippines, attracting more than 26,000 viewers last year. Film is a fascinating and powerful medium that journeys across borders and inspires all walks of life. Celebrating the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, and as part of the Japan Foundation, Manila's commitment to promote art and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Japan, we are pleased to showcase once again the best of contemporary and classic Japanese films," said Hiroaki Uesugi, director of the Japan Foundation, Manila.
"We hope Filipinos enjoy accessing and experiencing Japanese culture through films, and also expand understanding through several talks organized in collaboration with the Japan Foundation's theater, exhibition and dialogue projects," Uesugi added.
The roster of films slated for screenings in Cebu include Chihayafuru Part 1, 2 and 3. Chihayafuru is the live-action film adaptation of Yuki Suetsugu's manga series Chihayafuru, which is about a school girl, Chihaya Ayase, who is inspired by a new classmate to take up Hyakunin Isshukaruta competitively.
Also set to be shown in the four-day film festival are "Tori Girl," "Daytime Shooting Star," "Survival Family," "ReLIFE," "Honnouji Hotel," "Rudolph the Black Cat," "Let's Go JETS! From Small Town Girls to US Champions?!," "Tora San of Goto" and "Memoirs of a Murderer."
For updates, visit Ayala Center Cebu on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu and follow @AyalaCenterCebu on Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, contact the Ayala hotline at 888-3808 or 888-3790. (PR)