What can Melbourne expect from the film festival this year?
Melbourne’s lineup boasts a host of internationally acclaimed dramas, Australian premieres, two guest directors, Mr Shinsuke Sato (Library Wars) and Mr Satoshi Miki (Ore Ore (It’s Me, It’s Me)), wacky ‘only in Japan’ titles, many ‘hot right now’ films plus a selection of silver screen classics (free admission).
Are there any special guests?
Yes. Two award-winning directors will be coming to Melbourne.
Director Shinsuke Sato will appear for a very special screening of his latest film, Library Wars, at 8:45pm on Tuesday December 3 at Hoyts Melbourne Central. The film is a live-action sci-fi adventure adapted from the bestselling novel and anime series originally written by Hiro Arikawa. In addition to introducing his film, Sato will engage in an insightful Q&A session with audiences immediately following screening.
Director Satoshi Miki will be attending the Melbourne screening of his latest film, Ore, Ore (It’s Me, It’s Me) at 6pm on Friday December 6 at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI Cinemas). Peter Krausz, Film Critic, Film Journalist and Broadcaster will host a special Q&A session that follows immediately after the screening.
How has the festival gone in the other states around the country so far?
The festival was proud to appoint a cultural ambassador for the first time in its history, NRMA Western Sydney Wanderers soccer star Shinji Ono who made a special appearance on opening night. Sydney hosted the international premiere of ‘Don’t Lose Heart’ that actress Kaoru Yachigusa and director Yoshihiro Fukagawa were present for. The festival has been well received by each city’s audience so far, reaching both Japanese communities and other nationalities, with feedback rating films as ‘excellent ‘to ‘very good’, and extensive engagement on social media platforms and in person.
Does the screening schedule offer something for everyone? Explain.
The 2013 program does have something for everyone! Through the program, the films will ‘unfold Japan’ where audiences can discover the different facets of Japanese cinema and culture with old and new titles, tear-jerkers and comedies, action and art house plus free classic screenings
Now in its 17th year, what makes the Japanese Film Festival so successful?
The success of the festival to date is due to several factors. We have always believed in a mainstream approach, screening the very latest films from Japan (some still playing in theatres in Japan), plus screening the films at very accessible venues, making it very accessible to a wide audience and range of demographics. With the festival’s long history, we have a large amount of returnee guests as well as new guests, proving the interest year-on-year as well and continued patronage.
Where can we see the films?
Films will be screened at both Hoyts Melbourne Central and ACMI.
And buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly at the box offices or online through the Japanese Film Festival website via the book now button on individual film pages or on cinemas websites: japanesefilmfestival.net.
