2008 Japan Film Festival, Apr. 11-20

 

Cultural News, March 2008

 

 

 

Hula Girl (c)Cine Qua Non 2006, in association with HAPPINET and S.D.P

 

   While some Japanese films have become increasingly popular outside of Japan, many of these movies consist of horror, and action themes that fail to accurately reflect whole Japanese culture and tradition. The 2008 Japan Film Festival will provide a significant opportunity for American audiences to come and see what Japan is all about and for Japanese people themselves to look at their own culture from different perspectives and reflect upon what it means to be Japanese.

 

   The Festival features works from some of Japan’s most prolific writers and directors in a wide variety of genres sure to mesmerize moviegoers.

 

   From Anime to award-winning films to Kurosawa classics, the 2008 Japan Film Festival is a prime example of the true versatility and vivacity of Japan's film industry.

 

   The annual Japanese film event was previously called the Chanoma Film Festival since its inception in 2003 because the featured films were based primarily on the theme of “chanoma” – a Japanese style living room. In order to include a wider variety of genres for audiences to enjoy, the film event was revamped to the Japan Film Festival. 

 

  The festival will take place from April 11 through April 17 at ImaginAsian Cebter, 251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, and from April 18 through April 20 at Starplex Cinemas Woodbrigde Movies 5, 4626 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604.

 

Featured Films include:

Hula Girl

Yunagi no machi, Sakura no kuni (Town of Evening Calm, Land of Cherry Blossoms)

Akanezora, (A Deep-Red Sky)

Chanko (Sumo Hot Pot)

Kisaragi

Appleseed: Ex Machina; Ichijiku No Kao (Faces of a Fig Tree)

Maiko Haaaan!!!

Densha Otoko (Train Man)

Atagoal Cat’s Magical

Forest

Tsubaki Sanjuro

Kakushi Toride,(The Hidden Fortress)

 

Screening schedule and ticket price will be announced soon at the website: www.jffla.org.