By Chris Bright
The 2017 Japanese Film Festival (JFF) officially launched this week with a screening of Mumon: The Land of the Stealth; another bizarre action-comedy from cult director Yoshihiro Nakamura (Fish Story). Featuring a smorgasbord of ninjas, warlords, samurai and some amazing fight scenes, it had martial arts fans bouncing in their seats.
Japan has always been renowned for producing some of the most obscure, blood-thirsty and darkly funny films in recent times, and this year’s program only solidifies their stature.
JFF is now in its 21st year, and this year’s program is filled with the most exciting films to come from Japan, as well special guest Q&A screenings with emerging and acclaimed directors, screenwriters, producers and actors.
Highlights from the festival include a visit from director Yuya Ishii (The Vancouver Asahi, The Great Passage) who is here to promote his latest film, The Toyko Night Sky is the Densest Shade of Blue. This unconventional romance, based on a book of poetry by Tahi Saihate, premiered to a favourable reception earlier this year at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Exclusive to Melbourne will be an all-star panel from the film Love and Other Cults, which includes director and screenwriter Eiji Uchida, lead actor Sairi Ito and producer Adam Torel.
Other notable inclusions are A Double Life, a film inspired by the work of French artist Sophie Calle, and the first narrative feature of Yoshiyuki Kishi (Wilderness Part 1 and Part 2). Kishi has previously won Best Director at the Vladivostok International Film Festival. Also showing is Her Sketchbook, a whimsical story from screenwriter and director Masaya Ozaki (Marriage), starring Japan’s beloved actress Mugi Kadowaki (Love’s Whirlpool).
The Japanese Film Festival is running until Sunday December 3, 2017, with screenings and events hosted at Hoyts Melbourne Central and ACMI Cinemas. Visit www.japanesefilmfestival.net for details, the full program and to purchase tickets.
