Cover ‘Angry Son’ (2022) by Kasho Iizuka
‘Angry Son’ (2022) by Kasho Iizuka
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Cinema fans from different generations will enjoy this year’s Japanese Film Festival lineup—jampacked with masterpieces from varying movie genres
Japanese culture has been a huge part of our lives, from the nostalgic visuals of our favourite cartoons—or anime—to the diverse palate of their local food. But what most of us remember are the films that influenced us the most. This year, we have the opportunity to relive the best of Japanese cinema, thanks to the Japanese Film Festival (JFF).
The movie fest makes its long-awaited return, rolling into theatres in Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao from February to March 2024. “We decided on the theme, ‘Nostalgia,’” says festival director Yojiro Tanaka. “We chose films that will make our audience feel nostalgic and remember their fond memories and feelings.”
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Written and directed by Takehiko Inoue, the opening film comes from the hit anime franchise Slam Dunk, a 1990s favourite among Filipino fans of both anime and basketball. On top of the tension, superb animation and heart-pounding basketball action, the film also resonates with heartfelt emotions.
Above The First Slam Dunk (2022)
Above Angry Son (2022)
The First Slam Dunk (2022)
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Also included in the roster of films is Angry Son by director Kashou Iizuka. It revolves around the story of an 18-year-old high school student named Jungo whose Filipina mother, Reina, works at a hostess bar. He balances the hardships that come in the form of his mother and distant Japanese father, battling his sexuality and rediscovering himself in the process.
The JFF lineup also includes the classic masterpiece, Tokyo Story (1953) by Japanese auteur Yasujiro Ozu, as well as recently released movies like And Yet, You Are So Sweet (2023), Father Of The Milky Way Railroad (2023), Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom (2023), Mondays: See You “This” Week! (2022), We Made A Beautiful Bouquet (2021), and Not Quite Dead Yet (2020).
Father Of The Milky Way Railroad (2023)
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Audiences can also look forward to nostalgic titles with movie versions of Voltes V (1999 and 2023) and Detective Conan (1997 and 2006).
“We hope that the wide range of films will entertain long-time festival goers and those who are already fans of Japanese films. We also welcome newcomers to enjoy,” Tanaka says.
The film fest kicks off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema from February 1 to 11 and continues in SM Cinemas in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao. It also screens in SM Seaside City Cebu from February 16 to 25, and in SM City Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao from February 23 to March 3. JFF will also have a special run in the UPFI Film Center at the University of the Philippines Diliman from February 22 to March 2.
Admission is free for all screenings. Seats will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more information, visit JapaneseFilmFestPH.jfmo.org.ph/ or follow the Japan Foundation, Manila and JFF on social media.
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Images: Japan Foundation, Manila
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
