Captivating Films Take Center Stage at the “Eiga Sai” Japanese Film Festival 2015 kicks off on July 9
By PSR News Bureau
The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Tokyo International Film Festival, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, UP Film Institute and the Film Development Council of the Philippines presents EIGA SAI 2015 with the theme of “Tasteful Japan” featuring the flavorful culinary world of Japan along with the contemporary films released in Japan in 2014. With a variety of film genres—from comedy, feature, documentary, historical dramas and the all-time favorite sci-fi/fantasy to complete this year’s lineup.
The opening film will be “Our Family,”directed by renowned Japanese film director Mr. Yuya Ishii who’s slated to be coming all the way from Japan to grace the opening night at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall Cineplex on July 9 (Thursday at 7:30PM screening time and by invitation only). He will also have a Director’s Talk at the Lopez Center Studio, Ateneo de Manila University on July 10 (Friday at 3:00PM) and at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 on July 11 (Saturday at 4:30PM).
Director Ishii, known for his work ‘The Great Passage”—selected as Japan’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, directs this film adaptation of Kazumasa Hayami’s same-titled novel. The story depicts traces the emotional journey of a four-member family that is falling apart until the mother [Okasan] is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Japan’s popular actor Satoshi Tsumabuki gives a subtle and stirring performance as the responsible yet melancholy-prone, Kosuke—the eldest son.
“Our Family” confirms Oscar-nominated director Yuya Ishii’s growing global recognition as a directorial talent, with his positive depiction of a fight against illness while employing a unique comedic sense and a fresh perspective towards the contemporary Japanese family.
Equally exciting films in the Eiga Sai line-up include the following films:
“Wood Job! (Wood job Kamusari naa naa nichijo), based on the best-selling novel by Miura Shion, the 2014 NETPAC award film follows a city boy on his journey to adulthood as he finds himself thriving in the mountain village of Kamusari. Directed by Yaguchi Shonobu, it perfectly balances drama and comedy in this coming-of-age-film.
“Thermae Romae II” (Terumae Romae II) is a sequel to the spectacular comedy of the same title. Roman Empire bathhouse architect Lucius finds himself able to travel through time when in need of inspiration. Things get messy, however, when he finds himself wrapped up in a conflict that could divide the Roman Empire. This a grander, bolder and funnier.
“Parasyte” (Kiseijuu) depicts the intense battle between humans and parasites—and what happens when one forms an unusual friendship with the other. Based on Iwaaki Hitoshi’s world renowned manga, this is thrilling with a sense of humor as director Yamazaki Takashi’s special effects have the story jumping straight off the page and into life on screen.
“A Tale of Samurai Cooking—A True Love Story” (Bushi no kondate) depicts the drama and inner workings of the Kaga clan and the way they cook weaves into their family’s lives.
“Princess Jellyfish” (Kuragehime) puts a spin on the girlfriend movie as a cross-dressing jellyfish geek comes to turn the lives of several roommates inside out. Adapted from the comic of the same name, Kawamura Taisuke’s live feature displays a colorful cast of characters sure to capture the hearts of its audience.
“Tada’s Do-It-All House: Disconcerto”(Mahoroekimae kyosokyoku), Handyman Tada finds himself in a jam when an old pal’s former wife puts their daughter into their care and gets caught up in the dealings of a mysterious cult. Written and directed by Omori Tatsushi, the film is the third installation in a series of adaptations of Miura Shion’s Naoki Prizewinning works.
“It’s a Beautiful Life—IRDORI” (Jinsei irodori) is an inspiring true story of friends who put up a business even in their old age. Three friends from depopulated and mountainous area in Tokushima Prefecture start a food garnish enterprise and discover how friendship can take them through conflicts and hardships as they eventually make their way to a multi-million dollar enterprise.
“Patisserie Coin de rue” (Yougashiten koandoru), follows the journey of a cake-maker’s daughter as she finds herself in the company of a legendary former patissier.
“Wa-shoku-Beyond Sushi” (Wa Shoku Dream) delves into the passionate stories of chefs who have dedicated their lives to crafting quality Japanese food that set the standards for Japanese cuisine all over the world.
“The God of Ramen” (Ramen yori taisetsuna mono) is a heartwarming peek at restaurant owner Kazuo Yamagashi’s love for his craft and discovery of the mysterious “secret” ingredient that have crowds lining up for hours in his Taishoken-based ramen shop.
All films are with English subtitles. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex Cinema 2 (July 9-19), FDCP Cinematheque, Davao (July 14-19), Abreeza Mall Cinema, Davao (July 24-26) and the UP Film Institute (August 12-15) and Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu City (August 19-23).
For detailed screening schedules and further inquiries, please visit Japan Foundation’s website at www.jfmo.org.ph or call (+632) 811-6155 to 58.
Loyal Eiga Sai aficionados also get a special treat as Shangri-La Plaza Mall gives away all-access passes to four lucky winners of their Eiga Sai Selfie online contest. They just need to post a selfie of them and their friend with the caption explaining why they should win an all-access pass for two to all Eiga Sai 2015’s screenings with the hashtag #EIGASAIatShang. Winners will be announced on July 9.
This year’s Eiga Sai promises to be another crowd pleaser that will further solidify its place as one of the Philippines’ favorite film festivals.
