The Japanese Film Festival, now in its eight edition is back, bringing the best of new Japanese cinema to Irish audiences with a mix of everything from action to anime, historical epics to wonderful oddities. Ireland’s only truly national film festival begins this year at Triskel Christchurch Cork on April 3, before visiting Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Dundalk, Galway and Dublin.
“As the newly appointed ambassador, I’m glad that Irish audiences have enjoyed previous Japanese Film Festivals in Ireland,” says Mrs. Mari Miyoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland. “This edition of the festival is one of the important events in the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan next year. I hope that everyone will enjoy as many films as possible to get to know more about various aspects of Japan and its culture”.
Four titles will screen at Triskel Christchurch: Initiation Love - A love-story adapted from Kurumi Inui’s best-selling 1980s novel; The Case Of Hana & Alice - a quirky teenage murder mystery animation; Chigasaki Story - a charming, understated and often very funny feature observing the relationships amongst a group of students and teachers who come together for a wedding; and Assassination Classroom a live action feature based on Manga and TV series about group of students who need to overthrow their alien teacher before graduation to save the world. Nationwide the Festival will screen 22 films this year, almost all of which are Irish premieres. The most acclaimed filmmakers from contemporary Japanese cinema are featured, with a variety of themes, genres and topics to appeal to all audiences.
“The appetite in Ireland for world cinema is constantly growing”, commented Maeve Cooke, Director of access>CINEMA. “We see this in our work with film clubs and arts centres throughout the country. Japan has always been known as a country with a rich filmmaking tradition, and this year’s JFF line-up proves that Japanese cinema is every bit as diverse and vibrant now as it has ever been.”
“We’re delighted to be involved with a festival that gives Irish audiences the opportunity to experience this quality international cinema. If you’re not familiar with Japanese cinema, we encourage you to experience some of the unique and diverse films from this extraordinary country.”
“The appetite in Ireland for world cinema is constantly growing”, commented Maeve Cooke, Director of access>CINEMA. “We see this in our work with film clubs and arts centres throughout the country. Japan has always been known as a country with a rich filmmaking tradition, and this year’s JFF line-up proves that Japanese cinema is every bit as diverse and vibrant now as it has ever been.”
“We’re delighted to be involved with a festival that gives Irish audiences the opportunity to experience this quality international cinema. If you’re not familiar with Japanese cinema, we encourage you to experience some of the unique and diverse films from this extraordinary country.”
Full details of The Japanese Film Festival can be found here.
