One of the most awaited celebrations of cinema in the country took off in spectacular style with the opening night of Japanese Film Festival 2024 last February 1, 2024 at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza. Bringing together the presence of esteemed guests from the international the local and film and entertainment industry, as well as keynote speeches by prominent figures in the community, Japanese Film Festival got to engage and thrill fans of Japanese cinema and anime with the screening of the festival’s featured film, The First Slam Dunk, at the Red Carpet Cinema.
Organized by The Japan Foundation, Manila, Japanese Film Festival 2024 welcomed guests from all over the community with the opening reception program at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza, hosted by brilliant host Aisaku, then presenting a performance by local artist, Sharlla Gerilles, singing the theme song of Voltes V, to the delight of attendees.
In a keynote speech, Kenichi Matsuda, Chief of Mission and Minister of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, stressed the long history of the bond between Filipinos and Japanese through anime over the decades and the mutual fondness for the themes presented in these media.
Larry Chan, Chairman and CEO of Telesuccess Productions Inc, shared his experience and insights of the Voltes V phenomenon from its inception up to the present success of the franchise and its significance to society and culture. He was then awarded on stage for his contributions to Filipino and Japanese relations.
Cheryl Ching-Sy, Vice President for Drama, GMA Network Inc., also expressed the Filipinos fondness for Japanese anime and the significance of linking the past to the present generation with their live version of Voltes V, which is also featured at JFF 2024. Then she and the rest of the celebrities and people behind Voltes V: Legacy were awarded for the significance of their work towards closer ties between our peoples.
Host Aisaku then featured the various sensational films included in the JFF as well as the schedules in participating cinemas all over the country.
Remarks from Japan Foundation, Manila’s Director Ben Suzuki filled everyone with encouragement to come and try expanding their horizons by attending the festival and watching the many outstanding films carefully curated for the discerning Filipino film enthusiast this year, with nostalgia as the recurring theme throughout the run of the festival.
This year’s opening film comes from the hit anime franchise, Slam Dunk, a 1990s favorite among Filipino fans of both anime and basketball. The First Slam Dunk (2022) is an animated sports film written and directed by Takehiko Inoue. On top of the amazing animation and heart-pounding basketball action, the film also resonates with heartfelt emotions.
And as a cosplay website, we are happy to catch some cosplayers who got to attend the screening and got to enjoy this special treat at JFF 2024.
Admission to JFF 2023 is free for all screenings. Guests can simply visit their preferred participating theaters and queue before each screening of their chosen movie. Seats will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. JFF kicks-off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema from February 1 to 11 and continues into the regions in SM Cinemas in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao. JFF screens in SM Seaside City Cebu from February 16 to 25, and in SM City Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao from February 23 to March 3. The festival will also have a special run at the UPFI Film Center in University of the Philippines Diliman from February 22 to March 2.
For more information on the festival’s full film lineup, comprehensive movie synopses, and complete screening schedules, please visit www.JapaneseFilmFestPH.jfmo.org.ph or follow the Japan Foundation,
Manila and JFF on social media.
Our congratulations and thanks to everyone at The Japan Foundation, Manila, along with their supporters and partners, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JT International (Philippines) Inc., and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines., for a successful opening night. It was a delightful event for all attendees and set an exciting and engaging tone for the Japanese Film Festival 2024.
arkadymac.com has been the media partner to the Japanese Film Festival since 2016, and we are grateful to the Japan Foundation, Manila for always inviting us to do coverage. Many thanks to our Correspondents Rica, Sab, and Keileen for covering this event for us.
And thank you for dropping by, and do visit us again for more features here at arkadymac.com.
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