2009 Eiga Sai Japanese Film Festival

Taken from Japan Foundation Manila & Magnetic Rose:

In celebration of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and the UP Film Institute proudly presents a Japanese Contemporary Film Festival, titled “Eigasai ‘09” (literally means ‘film festival’ in Japanese) that will serve as its kick-off activity on July 2, 2009 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 3 for the month-long celebration.

“Eigasai ‘09” 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 7 contemporary films and 1 anime film in 35mm format. An invitational screening of Always – Sunset on Third Street (Always San-chome no yuhi, 2005) by director Yamazaki Takashi will be held on July 2, 2009 (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3, Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

Other films to be featured are Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho, 2006) directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, Kamome Diner (Kamome shokudo, 2006) directed by Ogigami Naoko, Memories of Tomorrow (Ashita no kioku, 2006) directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, The Milkwoman (Itsuka dokusho suru hi, 2005) directed by Ogata Akira, Turn Over - An Angel Is Coming on a Bicycle (Futari biyori, 2004) directed by Nomura Keiichi, Tony Takitani (Toni Takitani, 2004) directed by Ichikawa Jun, and the sole anime film Mind Game (Mind Game, 2004) directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

Mind Game is based on the comic by Nishi Robin, adapted for the screen and directed by Yuasa Masaaki. Animation was done mainly by Morimoto Kouji and Studio 4°C. Mind Game revolves around the life of Nishi, a drifter with dreams of becoming a comic book artist, but is instead embroiled in the Yakuza-laced family affairs of his childhood crush Myon.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12) and UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20). “Eigasai ‘09” will also have provincial screenings that will commence in Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19); Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2) and Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11). For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers (+632) 811-6155 to 58.

For a complete list of screening schedule, please visit the JFM website.