[ NIHON BUNKA KENKYUU ] BUNKEN 101: Reviews, comments, and insights on Japanese pop culture.
The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Manila Chamber Orchestra (MCO) Foundation, Banco de Oro and UP Film Institute, offers a taste of the bi-annual Japanese Film Festival entitled Eiga Sai, at the Antonio Molina Hall, BDO South Tower, Makati and Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, UP-Diliman.
Dubbed Eiga Sai Fringe, the film festival mainly features specific theme such as conflict and environment in 16mm and DVD format. S creenings at the BDO South Tower Antonio Molina Hall will be on November 8-13. Nov. 8, 9 & 13 (5:00pm & 7:30pm), Nov. 10 (7:30pm), Nov. 11 (1:00pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm), Nov 12 (3:30pm & 5:30pm); at the UP Film Institute on November 14-15 and 17 (5:00pm & 7:00pm).
A highlight of the festival is the screening of husband and wife filmmaking team Chris Sheridan and Patty Kim’s “ABDUCTION The Megumi Yokota Story” (Megumi: Hikisakareta Kazoku no 30 Nen) – a multi-awarded best documentary film shown as world premiere at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival which also garnered 11 major awards in various film festivals abroad. The film is about the 13-year old Japanese girl abducted on her way home from school by North Korean spies. For 30 years, her parents were at a loss – they had no idea of what could have happened to her. Then, one day the whole world learned the shocking truth. The film is told through the eyes of the girl's mother and father who have been searching for their daughter for nearly 30 years. A human story about a strange, painful journey, full of bizarre twists as an ordinary banker and his housewife are caught up in a life they could never have imagined.
Other films penned for showing in the festival are: Koji Imaizumi’s “Abong/Small Home” (Chiisai Ie) – produced by both non-profit organization Salubon (Japan) and Lubong-Baguio, Inc. (Philippines); Yoichi Higashi’s “The Crying Wind” (Fuon); Kazuo Kuroki’s “The Face of Jizo” (Chichi to Kuraseba); Daisuke Tengan’s “Aiki”; Yoji Yamada’s “Fifteen” ( Jugosai: Gakko IV).
ADMISSION IS FREE. For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please check the Japan Foundation, Manila website: http://www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58.