Free Streaming of Japanese Independent Films Online

Starting August 1, 2023, the Japan Foundation will launch a special program called JFF+Independent Cinema 2023, a specially curated showcase of 12 independent Japanese films. The films will be available to stream for free online at the JFF+ website, https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/ic2023/
The lineup includes films recommended by independent mini theaters throughout Japan, as well as by international film critics and film festival directors. The participating independent mini theaters hold a special role within the community, from Cinema Iris in Hokkaido to the Sakurazaka Theater in Okinawa. The program aims to shed light on the independent mini theaters that support the cinema culture of Japan, and together these will introduce the current state of cinema culture and regional culture in Japan from multiple angles.
This project is a continuation of the streaming project JFF+ Independent Cinema carried out from December to June of this year. The previous lineup of films was accessed from over 150 countries and regions around the world, including the Philippines, the U.S., Australia, and Mexico, attracting interest from viewers from a wide range of ages. The project received a great response, with many positive comments received from Japanese film fans from all over the world.
JFF+ Independent Cinema is organized by the Japan Foundation and will run until 31 October 2023. For more information and updates, follow Japan Foundation, Manila on Facebook and Instagram.
JFF+ Website: https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/ic2023/
Participating Independent Mini Theaters:
・CINEMA IRIS(Hakodate, Hokkaido)
・Fukaya Cinema (Fukaya, Saitama)
・Ueda Eigeki (Ueda, Nagano)
・Jig Theater (Tohaku, Tottori)
・THEATER ENYA (Karatsu, Saga)
・Cinema de Aeru (Miyako, Iwate)
・Cinekoya (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)
・Motomachi Movie Theater (Kobe, Hyogo)
・Cinema Onomichi (Onomichi, Hiroshima)
・Sakurazaka Theater (Naha, Okinawa)
Film Lineup:

[Selected by Cinekoya]
LONELY GLORY (2022)
Directed by SAKON Keitaro

[Selected by CINEMA IRIS]
And Your Bird Can Sing (2018)
Directed by MIYAKE Sho

[Selected by fukaya cinema]
An Artisan’s Legacy, Tsunekazu Nishioka (2012)
Directed by YAMAZAKI Yuji

[Selected by Cinema de Aeru]
Follow the Light (2021)
Directed by NARITA Yoichi

[Selected by Ueda Eigeki]
Hey! Our dear Don-chan (2022)
Directed by OKITA Shuichi

[Selected by Motomachi Movie Theater]
A Muse Never Drowns (2022)
Directed by ASAO Nozomi

[Selected by THEATER ENYA]
HANAGATAMI (2017)
Directed by OBAYASHI Nobuhiko

[Selected by jig theater]
TENZO (2019)
Directed by TOMITA Katsuya

[Selected by Mark Schilling]
Techno Brothers (2023)
Directed by WATANABE Hirobumi

[Selected by Cinema Onomichi]
A Girl in My Room (2022)
Directed by TAKAHASHI Natsuki

[Selected by Sakurazaka Theater]
BON-UTA, A Song from Home (2019)
Directed by NAKAE Yuji

[Selected by Haochen Xu]
Bachiranun (2021)
Directed by HIGASHIMORI Aika