Residents of York will have the opportunity to view a selection of Japanese films that delve into the theme: ‘Unforgettable: Memories, Times and Reflections in Japanese Cinema’.
The Programme’s tour commences in York from the 29th of February until the 28th of March at City Screen Picturehouse, and will visit 29 other cities in the UK on other various dates.
There will be five selected screenings in York:
- The Fish Tale – Thursday 29th of February
- Egoist – Thursday 7th of March
- Winny – Thursday 14th of March
- YOKO – Thursday 21st of March
- Shadow of Fire – Thursday 28th of March
Since 2004, the Japan Foundation have been organising annual Japanese film programmes to deliver a unique experience in which films which may have not otherwise been screened in the UK become available for viewing.
For those who are perhaps more dedicated fans of foreign film, the programme is offering a Young Ambassador Scheme in which a selected group of successful applicants will attend a screening and write a short report to promote and share on their respective social media profiles.
One third-year English Literature student from the University of York, Elly Hoyland, shared her excitement with The Yorkie, emphasising how foreign films “can be impossible to find, or often are of poor image quality with poorly translated subtitles” and her approval of seeing these independent films make it to the “big screen”.
She expressed optimism that “this passion for indie international features can extend to the cinema in the future”.
As well as the selected theme for each year’s tour, the curated range of films work to highlight trends in Japanese cinema and give the opportunity for foreign audiences to engage with the art and distinctness of its filmmakers.
This year, the films will delve into the “subliminal role” of memories in affecting people’s minds and behaviour, according to the programme’s website.
Though all of the films resemble and reflect on the same theme, each explores unique plots, dilemmas and issues regarding personal or social issues.
Screening schedules and plot descriptions for each film can be found on The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme website.
