Japanese Film Festival returns to on-site screenings this 2023

Directed by Hosoda Mamoru, the animated Belle is starred by voice actors Nakamura Kaho and Satoh Takeru. This film from 2021 tells the tale of a high school girl (Suzu) who lost the ability to sing when her mother died when she was young. One day, she received an invitation from her friend to join the virtual world 'U' which has over 50 million members. In the 'U' universe, Suzu created her own alter-ego and became worldwide famous as the singer Belle.

Otherwise The Dragon and the Freckled Princess, this exceptional spectacle is set as the opening film for the Japanese Film Festival 2023. Its story is patterned from the 1756 French fairytale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and the 1991 Disney animated movie, Beauty and the Beast. Belle initially premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and had a standing ovation that lasted for 14 minutes.

From director Keisuke Yoshida, Intolerance follows the story of a junior high school girl who got into an accident after allegedly trying to shoplift, then eventually died. The father, wanting to prove her daughter's innocence, goes after the manager. But then, he turns into a terrifying monster and chases down everyone involved instead. The drama is starred by actors Arata Furuta and Tori Matsuzaka.

Also directed by Keisuke Yoshida, is the story of Urita in Blue. Urita loves boxing more than anyone, but he keeps on losing his matches. Meanwhile, his younger rival Ogawa is close to becoming the Japan champion and is preparing to marry Urita's childhood friend Chika. Despite the envy, jealousy, and frustration over Ogawa having everything he ever wanted, Urita continues to work toward his dream. Actor Kenichi Matsuyama plays the titular role of Urita.

With actress Nagano Mei as the lead, Yuko has been raised by parents unrelated to her and has changed her last name four times. She lives with her father-in-law Morimiya, played by actor Kei Tanaka, and free-spirited mother Rika, portrayed by Ishihara Satomi. Although Yuko is showered with love by Rika, she soon disappears from her life. Yuko then receives a letter. The narration of And So The Baton Is Passed is directed by Maeda Tetsu.

ANIME SUPREMACY! by Yoshino Kohei narrates the dramatic career life of Hitomi Saito. Hitomi worked for a major animation production company before she joined the anime industry. She was given her first chance to direct a series called 'Soundback: The Kanade Stone', but storm clouds soon gather over the production floor despite her determination to make the most out of the opportunity. Her producer Yukishiro, proceeds to go to ruthless lengths to ensure his product sells even though it meant clashing with Hitomi. The motivated Hitomi, however, is dedicated to not have her creative vision compromised.

Read more: Q & A with Ryota Nakano

Blue Thermal, a film by director Tachibana Masaki, is about Tamaki who wants nothing more than an ordinary life in college. Unfortunately, she damages a glider shortly after school starts and ends up taking a gofer position with the aviation club to pay back the damages. Tamaki becomes fascinated with the world of the skies from the moment she takes flight in the glider operated by club captain Kuramochi.

IN THE WAKE by Zeze Takahisa follows the chronicles of baffling serial killings where the victims were tied up and left to starve. Tone who was just released from prison after serving his sentence surfaces as a suspect, but detective Tomashiro cannot nail down a conclusive proof. Actor Satoh Takeru characterised Tone and Abe Hiroshi starred as Tomashiro.

Lesson in Murder is about Masaya Kakei who attends a low-ranked university, a situation he finds depressing. One day, he receives a letter from Yamato Haimura, a high-profile serial murderer who was convicted and sentenced to death for nine of the 24 killings he had been accused of. Reaching out to Masaya, Yamato freely admits his guilt but insists that for the ninth conviction, he was framed, and implores Masaya to find the true killer. As Masaya delves into the case, the truth proves to be cruel beyond imagination. Lesson in Murder is directed by Shiraishi Kazuya and starred by Abe Sadawo and Okada Kenshi.

The last out of the three animations for the festival is directed by Yuasa Masaaki. INU-OH is a musical film depicting the encounter between Inu-Oh, who was born with an unusual appearance, and Tomona who is a young biwa minstrel. Their undeniable connection, inseparable friendship, and mutual support in fostering one another's talents paved their way to stardom.

20-year-old Noriko and her cousin Michiko start taking tea ceremony lessons with Takeda, who has a reputation for being an extraordinary teacher. At first, Noriko is confused by the intricate rules, but after two years she comes to realise the depth behind tea ceremonies. Directed by Omori Tatsushi, Every Day A Good Day has actors Yoshimura Tomomi, Kanai Takaharu, and Kondo Takahiko in its cast.

Related: Sneak Peek: The World's First Studio Ghibli Theme Park to Open in Japan This Year

Japan Foundation Manila and the team behind Japan Film Festival, in partnership with the Shangri-la Plaza, are positively enthusiastic on the return of the on-site screenings for the Japanese Film Festival. To emphasise the enthusiasm, JFF 2023 announced in the press conference that the festival will be hosting a workshop on Japanese sweets which will be headed by a Japanese master with local ingredients to use for that authentic taste and experience. The workshops will take place at Shangri-la on January 21st and on Instagram on the 22nd.

On top of the surprise, the Japanese Film Festival 2023 is declared available online as well, for those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their own screens.

Tickets are priced for only Php100 per screening. Follow Japanese Film Festival on their official Facebook account (facebook.com/japanesefilmfestPH) for more information and the complete screening schedule. 

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