Source: Japan Society

JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film

JUNE 30 - JULY 12 at Japan Society

JAPAN CUTS: FESTIVAL OF NEW JAPANESE FILM is a diverse selection of the most notable recent films from Japan, giving New Yorkers a first look at blockbusters and cinematic landmarks from cutting-edge independents to highly innovative animations. In its third year, JAPAN CUTS is the only large-scale annual Japanese film festival in North America that brings a sizable slice of Japan`s contemporary film scene to New York City. The program is replete with exclusive Q&As with filmmakers, special events and more. Launched in Summer 2007 to celebrate Japan Society`s centennial, the first annual JAPAN CUTS was one of the most successful single events in Japan Society`s 2007-08 centennial celebration. Noted for its "rich and varied selection of recent Japanese films” (David Kehr, The New York Times), the festival grew to attract nearly 6,000 audience members during the 2008 festival. In previous years, films premiered at JAPAN CUTS that have gone on to international acclaim have included THE MOURNING FOREST, YASUKUNI, SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO, UNITED RED ARMY, SWAY, DEATH NOTE, and KAMOME DINER. Past festivals have included appearances by directors Shusuke Kaneko, Sion Sono, Miwa Nishikawa, Naoko Ogigami, Yasuo Kurita, Naomi Kawase, and Koji Wakamatsu. Films screened between July 1-5 are co-presented with the New York Asian Film Festival, America`s leading festival of popular Asian Cinema.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Kazuyoshi Kumakiri (director) Born in Hokkaido, Kazuyoshi Kumakiri quickly gained an international recognition with his sensational thesis film KICHIKU (1997), an extremely brutal portrait of the 1970s student movement and its corruption. Kumakiri always enjoys exploring difficult topics, and NON-KO is his seventh feature film following HOLE IN THE SKY (2001), ANTENNA (2004), THE VIOLATED WOMAN (2004), GREEN MIND, METALBATS (2006) and FREESIA (2006, JAPAN CUTS 2007). Eiji Okuda (actor) Eiji Okuda was born in Aichi. His acting credits span numerous films and TV series in close collaboration with distinguished film directors such as Kei Kumai (THE SEA AND THE POISON, 1986) and Tatsumi Kumashiro (BO NO KANASHIMI, 1994). Okuda has also directed many award-winning films, including AN ADOLESCENT (2001), A LONG WALK (2006, Grand Prix, Montreal World Film Festival) and OUT OF THE WIND (2007), which stars his daughter, Sakura Ando, a rising star in Japan`s indie scene.

Sion Sono (director) Born in Aichi, Sion Sono is known as a rebel essayist, poet and filmmaker. He received the PIA Film Festival (PFF) award for two consecutive years (1984 and 1985), and made BICYCLE SIGHS with PFF scholarship in 1990. Since directing the controversial psycho-horror, SUICIDE CIRCLE in 2001, he has been invited to numerous film festivals, and has made film after film, including STRANGE CIRCLE (2005), NORIKO`S DINNER TABLE (2006) and EXTE (2006). Sono made a special appearance at JAPAN CUTS 2007 for the U.S. premiere of EXTE. Gen Takahashi (director) Born in Tokyo, Gen Takahashi began his film career at Toei`s Tokyo studio. His theatrical and film directorial debut HEARTLESS (1992) achieved enduring acclaim as a cult favorite and was followed by a number of popular films such as YOUNG BLOOD TYPHOON (1995) and LADY PLASTIC (2001). In 2004, CHARON (2005) won the Fantaland Grand Prix (audience award) at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival. His latest film, GOTH (2008), is an adaptation of a popular horror novel by Otsu-ichi. UrumaDelvi (artist) Best known for their animated music video, THE BOTTOM BITING BUG, UrumaDelvi is the artistic collaboration of two animators, Uruma and Delvi, who first gained recognition with SHIKATOo which was created for a popular children’s TV program. Since then, UrumaDelvi have worked prolifically as animation artists, musicians and graphic designers, all while developing an innovative computer animation software program, UrumaDelvi Paint. Their self-proclaimed dream is “to make the world enjoyable and vibrating”.

FILM LINEUP

20TH CENTURY BOYS: CHAPTER ONE (2008, 142 min., 35mm. Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. With Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa and Airi Taira. New York Premiere) Based on the award-winning and wildly popular manga series 20th Century Boys, this three-part epic adventure spans nearly 50 years. In 1969, a young schoolboy named Kenji and his friends create a fantasy storybook called The Book of Prophecy, where they battle evil villains to save the world. Fast-forward to 1997, when Kenji, now living a mundane existence as a convenience store manager, realizes that many of the horrific events he wrote about in the Book of Prophecy have been occurring with uncanny accuracy. Even stranger is the growing influence of a mysterious cult led by a masked leader called Friend. When Kenji learns that Friend intends to fulfill Kenji`s final prophecy, he and his former classmates must join forces to stop the evil cult from destroying the world. The third and final film in this cycle will be released in Japan in August 2009.

20TH CENTURY BOYS: CHAPTER TWO - THE LAST HOPE (142 min., 35mm. Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. With Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa and Airi Taira. New York Premiere) Based on the award-winning and wildly popular manga series 20th Century Boys, this three-part epic adventure spans nearly 50 years. This is the second film in the trilogy and is immediately preceded by 20TH CENTURY BOYS at 11:45 am on July 4th. The third and final film in this cycle will be released in Japan in August 2009. ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE (2008, 119 min., 35mm. Directed by Takeshi Kitano. With Beat Takeshi, Kanako Higuchi, Yurei Yanagi and Kumiko Aso. New York Premiere) Written, directed by and starring one of Japan`s most famous entertainers, Takeshi Kitano (HANA-BI, 1997; ZATOICHI, 2003), this cynical comedy is the final installment of a trilogy that explores an artist`s dilemma. As a young boy, Machisu becomes convinced of his talent when an artist praises him for one of his drawings. Machisu, with the unconditional support of his wife, devotes his life to art, but ironically, these tenacious aspirations lead only to his inadvertent imitation of famous paintings. AIN`T NO TOMORROWS (2008, 79 min., Digibeta. Directed by Yuki Tanada. With Tokio Emoto, Yuya Endo, Tomorowo Taguchi and Sakura Ando. North American Premiere) 17 year-old Hiruma is desperate to get laid and takes out his sexual urges on Anpai, a fat boy who has “boobs.” His classmate Tomono, a sickly loner, is in a serious relationship with their married teacher. This bold, yet humorous portrait of six high school seniors reveals the suffocating realities of coming of age. Yuki Tanada (ONE MILLION YEN GIRL, 2008; script for SAKURAN, 2007) is an emerging director who is distinguished by her intimate realist approach to characters.

ALL AROUND US (2008, 140 min., 35 mm. Directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi. With Tae Kimura, Lily Franky and Akira Emoto. New York Premiere) Easy-going Kanao marries his controlling college sweetheart, Shoko. Shortly afterward, Kanao becomes a courtroom sketch artist, exposed to the crimes of horrific cult extremists, serial killers and child molesters (based on actual, high-profile criminals of the 1990s) while Shoko is devastated by a miscarriage and falls into a depression. Praised by moviegoers and film critics alike, this witty and observant film about the human connection marks a cinematic comeback for acclaimed director Ryosuke Hashiguchi (A TOUCH OF FEVER, 1993; HUSH!, 2001). BE SURE TO SHARE (2009, 109 min., 35mm. Directed by Sion Sono. With Eiji Okuda, Akira and Ayumi Ito. World Premiere) Shiro’s struggle with his father’s cancer and impending death leads to a realization that he must communicate his love and admiration for him before it’s too late. A series of flashbacks reveals their relationship over time, and the trouble Shiro faced connecting to his strict father who was also his teacher and soccer coach. With a consuming secret of his own, Shiro, now in his late twenties and about to get engaged, must eventually learn how to share it with his loved ones. Q&A with director Sion Sono and actor Eiji Okuda!

BUY A SUIT (2008, 47 min., HDcam. Directed by Jun Ichikawa. With Yukiko Sunahara, Sabakichi and Momoko Mieda. US Premiere) Veteran director Jun Ichikawa (TONY TAKITANI), who died suddenly the night that he finished editing this film (originally a private project), reveals his more personal and playful side while filming with nothing more than a few friends as actors and a camcorder. The film follows Yuki`s visit to Tokyo in search of her missing brother, Hisashi, and their later reunion with Hisashi`s ex-wife. Ichikawa`s camerawork and plain sets draw out a more affectionate and gentle side of these characters and their connection amidst the barren Tokyo cityscape. In memory of late director Jun Ichikawa, the screening of Buy a Suit will be followed by a conversation with Momoko Mieda, a star of the film and Ichikawa`s personal friend. CONFESSIONS OF A DOG (2008, 195 minutes, DVcam. Directed by Gen Takahashi. With Shun Sugata, Hironobu Nomura and Harumi Inoue and Gen Idemitsu. International Premiere) "In Japan there are two things you shouldn`t question: the emperor and the police," says the film`s protagonist, Takeda, a loyal detective who is seduced into an organized drug ring involving Japan`s entire police department. Over three hours long, this film is fast-paced and full of astounding performances and a gritty attitude. This riveting commentary on law enforcement`s abuse of power, the media`s complete obedience and unquestioning public compliance was finally released in Japan after a four-year controversy. Q&A with director Gen Takahashi! CRIME OR PUNISHMENT?!? (2008, 110 min., 35mm. Directed by Keralino Sandorovich. With Riko Narumi, Kento Nagayama and Sakura Ando. International Premiere) Director Keralino Sandorovich returns to JAPAN CUTS with an insane black comedy full of Monty Python-esque absurdity. To avoid charges for unintentional shoplifting, Ayame, a clumsy and aspiring model, agrees to become a "Celebrity Police Chief" for a day. When she realizes that a junior detective in her precinct is her former lover and a psychopathic serial killer, she must choose between what`s right and what`s in her heart.

CYBORG SHE (2008, 120 min., 35mm. Directed by Kwak Jae-Yong. With Haruka Ayase and Keisuke Koide. NY Premiere Premiere) Celebrating his 20th birthday alone at a restaurant, Jiro, a shy university student, is approached by a cute girl and spends an unforgettable evening with her before she vanishes. A year later the girl reappears but Jiro notices some changes--particularly her superhuman strength and robotic behavior. Korean director Kwak Jae-Yong (MY SASSY GIRL, 2001) teams up with a Japanese cast and crew in this sci-fi romantic comedy that pays homage to TERMINATOR, BACK TO THE FUTURE and Doraemon, Japan`s most beloved manga. Join us for the post-screening Cyborg Party and show off your favorite cyborg outfit!

FISH STORY (2009, 112 min., 35mm. Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura. With Atsushi Ito, Kengo Takara, Mikako Tabe and Nao Omori. North American Premiere) It`s 2012, and a colossal meteor is set to smash into earth within hours, causing gigantic tidal waves that will destroy humanity. People have fled Tokyo for higher ground except for two oblivious music geeks in a record shop, who are listening to a song by an underground Japanese punk band from 1975. What follows is the outrageous story of the song`s origin and how it caused a miraculous chain of events that will eventually save the world from destruction. HALFWAY (2009, 85 min., 35mm. Directed by Eriko Kitagawa. With Kii Kitano, Masaki Okada and Takao Osawa. International Premiere) Hiro, a high school senior in Hokkaido, is so deeply in love with her boyfriend Shu that she gets dizzy just being near him. But when Hiro discovers that Shu is planning to apply to a university in Tokyo without her, she begs him not to go. This collaboration with famous screenwriter Eriko Kitagawa and master of love stories Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, 1995; All About Lily Chou-Chou, 2001), depicts a precious moment in the lives of these immature yet innocent characters using unscripted dialogue and improvisation.

LOVE EXPOSURE (2008, 237 min., 35mm. Directed by Sion Sono. With Takahiro Nishijima, Hikari Mitsushima and Sakura Ando. New York Premiere) Sensational indie filmmaker Sion Sono returns to JAPAN CUTS with this much anticipated, gripping four-hour hentai (pervert) epic brimming with absurd gore, cross-dressers, sin and love triangles while exposing the contradictions within human nature. Yu feels compelled to commit sins for his father, who has become a catholic priest and demands daily confessions from him. As a result, Yu joins a local gang and becomes a master of hentai photography. Amidst the chaos that ensues, he falls in love at first sight with Yoko, whom he later discovers will become his new step sister. With an evil religious cult leader determined to convert his family and steal his precious Yoko away, Yu must go to extreme lengths to save the love of his life. Q&A with director Sion Sono and post-screening Exposure Party!

THE MAGIC HOUR (2008, 136 min., 35mm. Directed by Koki Mitani. With Koichi Sato, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Eri Fukatsu and Haruka Ayase. New York Premiere) Bingo, a young hotel manager, is caught fooling around with the local mob boss`s mistress. As punishment he must recruit legendary hitman Della Togashi or else face death. Having no idea where to find Togashi, Bingo hires a hapless actor, Murata, to play the famed assassin by convincing him that he`s acting in a movie. Inspired by Billy Wilder`s comedies, director Koki Mitani (WELCOME BACK, MR McDONALD, 1997) marks another cinematic achievement with this lavish blockbuster featuring an all-star cast with an art-house edge. NON-KO (2008, 105 min., 35mm. Directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri. With Maki Sakai, Gen Hoshino, Shingo Tsurumi and Kanji Tsuda. New York Premiere) Nonko, a 36-year-old divorced ex-actress, returns home to her family, where her father is a priest at a local Shinto shrine. Disillusioned and lonely, she takes out her frustration by drinking herself to oblivion at a local bar until she meets up with a naïve young man who is trying to make his fortune by selling baby chicks. Maki Sakai gives a stellar performance in the title role of Kazuyoshi Kumakiri`s uplifting portrait of a woman with complexity. Q&A with director Kazuyoshi Kumakiri!

PRIDE (2009, 126 min., HDcam. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko. With Hikari Mitsushima, Stephanie and Mitsuhiro Oikawa. New York Premiere) Shio, a privileged music student and daughter of a great opera singer, meets Moe, a poor opera student who will stop at nothing for success. When Shio’s family is bankrupted, she enters an opera-singing contest to win a music scholarship, only to have Moe sabotage her performance and steal the prize. This story of fierce competition of talent, love, and, attention between two girls is the second manga adaptation for director Shusuke Kaneko (DEATH NOTE, 2006; Japan Cuts 2007). UrumaDelvi Collected Shorts (50 min.) UrumaDelvi, the wildly popular artistic duo, comes to JAPAN CUTS to premiere their witty, adorable and highly inventive animations loaded with super-saturated colors, selected from an oeuvre of over 500 works! First aired on the Japanese public television network NHK, UrumaDelvi’s infamous animated music video THE BOTTOM BITING BUG swept the nation, selling over 250,000 CDs and a million ringtone downloads. THE BOTTOM BITING BUG and SUMIKO: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?, the inner monologue of a charming third grader who is too cynical for her age, make their sensational English-language debuts at JAPAN CUTS! Q&A and animation-making demonstration with artist UrumaDelvi!

VACATION (2008, 115 min., 35mm. Directed by Hajime Kadoi. With Kaoru Kobayashi, Hidetoshi Nishijima and Nene Otsuka. New York Premiere) “Anyone who is willing to assist the execution will be granted a weeklong vacation.” Hirai, a quiet, middle-aged prison guard, finds little joy at his job other than his daily interactions with Kaneda, a death-row inmate. But when he struggles to gain acceptance from his six-year-old stepson, he agrees to assist in Kaneda’s execution, so that he may take his new family on a modest trip. This subtle yet emotionally powerful film explores the dark side of Hirai and Kaneda’s conscience as the execution approaches.

SCHEDULE

JAPAN SOCIETY 333 East 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues) New York, NY 10017 Box Office: (212) 715-1258, Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4:45 pm Subway: Take the 6 to 51st Street or 42nd Street - Grand Central Station, or the E or V to Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street. *Director or actor introduction and/or Q&A! Tuesday, June 30 7:30 pm CRIME OR PUNISHMENT?!? Wednesday, July 1 6:30 pm VACATION 9 pm THE MAGIC HOUR Thursday, July 2 6:15 pm FISH STORY 8:45 pm BE SURE TO SHARE Friday, July 3 4 pm VACATION 6:15 pm LOVE EXPOSURE* Followed by the Exposure Party! Saturday, July 4 11:45 am 20TH CENTURY BOYS: CHAPTER ONE 2:30 pm 20TH CENTURY BOYS: CHAPTER TWO - THE LAST HOPE Sunday, July 5 12 pm THE MAGIC HOUR 2:45 pm ALL AROUND US 5:30 pm PRIDE 8:15 pm BE SURE TO SHARE* Monday, July 6 6:30 pm ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE 9 pm HALFWAY Tuesday, July 7 6:30 pm LOVE EXPOSURE Thursday, July 9 7 pm CONFESSIONS OF A DOG* 7:30pm Panel Discussion: How to Make a Film in Japan & Beyond Friday, July 10 6:30 pm AIN`T NO TOMORROWS 8:15 pm NON-KO* Saturday, July 11 12 pm CRIME OR PUNISHMENT?!? 2:15 pm CONFESSIONS OF A DOG* 6:15 pm UrumaDelvi Collected Shorts* 8 pm CYBORG SHE Followed by the Cyborg Party! Sunday, July 12 12 pm BUY A SUIT* 1:45 pm ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE 4:15 pm NON-KO* 7 pm HALFWAY