Those among us who love Japanese culture and arts will have much to be happy and thankful for as Eigasai 2016 will once again offer FREE movie screenings of highly acclaimed Japanese films from July 7 to August 21 at more locations around the country. The film festival’s main organizer, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, has promised a great lineup of quality films along with Director Talks in commemoration of 60 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship and JFM’s 20th Anniversary.
The first ever EIGASAI was held in 1997. A year short of celebrating its 20th year, the film festival’s main organizer the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM)—in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan—is pulling out all the stops in making this year’s installment remarkable to commemorate two different milestones: 60 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship and JFM’s 20th Anniversary.
Running from July 7 to August 21 featuring more than 80 screenings, EIGASAI kicks off with the screening of KAKEKOMI (Trailer with English subtitle: https://youtu.be/ga1GUpJ5kYs 『駆込み女と駆出し男』) at the Shang Cineplex on July 7 to be graced by its esteemed director, Masato Harada, who is also scheduled to hold two Director’s Talks during his stay in the Philippines.
On July 8, to celebrate the launch of EIGASAI and Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival as allied festivals, there will be a one-time special screening of Director Harada’s film: The Emperor in August（『日本のいちばん長い日』）at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Cultural Center of the Philippines – Little Theater), followed by the Director’s Talk, where he shares his experience and knowledge about the art of and his career in filmmaking. His second Director’s Talk, focusing on the making of KAKEKOMI, will be held at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 on July 9.KAKEKOMI confirms Harada’s growing global recognition as a directorial guru with his first jidaigeki (samurai period film) which was received favorably by international critics and became a box-office success last year. Another film of his, Chronicle of My Mother （『わが母の記』）is also included in this year’s line-up.
JFM’s first ever partnership with the Cinemalaya brings forth the screening of two Japanese independent films: Ken and Kazu （『ケンとカズ』）and August in Tokyo （『愛の小さな歴史』）as part of its Asian Showcase. Director Hiroshi Shoji himself is joining the festivities at the Philippine premier of his award-winning film Ken and Kazu (Japanese Cinema Splash Best Picture Award, 2015 Tokyo International Film Festival)on August 6.
Another first for EIGASAI this year is its screenings not just in one but two locations in Baguio City—SM Baguio Cinema and FDCP Cinematheque. As with the previous years, the film festival will also have its provincial run in Davao and Cebu.
The Japan Foundation, Manila carefully curated a total of twelve films with English subtitles. In addition to the above mentioned films, this year’s EIGASAI line-up includes: Crossroads （『クロスロード』）, Flying Colors （『ビリギャル』）, Our Little Sister （『海街diary』）,Pale Moon （『紙の月』）, The Boy and the Beast （『バケモノの子』）, The Great Passage （『舟を編む』）and The Little House （『小さいおうち』）.
The film trailers are available from https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9ls2kEuz3FiCO_3Ulmtt2uVgd8HD_V9b. For the film synopsis, as well as the screening and talk schedules, please refer to the EIGASAI e-Flyer http://www.jfmo.org.ph/audio-visual-and-film. Updates will also be posted on the JFM Facebook.
All screenings are free and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but admission process may differ according to venues. Screening venues are at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 (July 7 to 17), Abreeza Mall Cinema, Davao (July 22 to 24), FDCP Cinematheque, Davao (July 26 to 30), Cultural Center of the Philippines (July 8, August 6, 9, 10 and 12), SM Baguio Cinema, Baguio City (August 11 to 14), FDCP Cinematheque Baguio (August 15), Ayala Center Cebu (August 17 to 21) and UP Film Institute (August 17 to 20).
EIGASAI is generously supported by Shangri-La Plaza, Shang Cineplex, UP Film Institute, Cultural Center of the Philippines, SM Supermalls, SM Baguio City, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japanese Association of Northern Luzon, Sa Lubong-Baguio, Cordillera Green Network, JT International (Philippines) Inc., Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., Muji, Watami, Crystal Cup Ozeki Philippines, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas.
About EIGASAI, the Japanese Film Festival
The Japanese Film Festival, widely known and appreciated in the Philippines as EIGASAI is presented and run by the Japan Foundation, Manila and is now an established free annual event which is held in July in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. Launched in 1997, EIGASAI has grown to one of the largest and popular film festivals attracting over 20,000 audiences every year across the Philippines, showcasing a vast variety of cinematic delights from drama, romance, anime to recently released films in Japan. EIGASAI also brings out guests from Japan for special talks and discussions. In 2016, EIGASAI is partnering with the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for the first time.
About CINEMALAYA, Philippine Independent Film Festival
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. It also aims to invigorate Philippine filmmaking by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers. Cinemalaya is a project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc.
About the Japan Foundation, Manila
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. As the18th overseas office, the Japan Foundation, Manila was founded in 1996, active in three focused areas: Arts and Culture; Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange; Japanese-Language Education Overseas. For more information please visit our website at www.jfmo.org.
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