The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2024/ Unforgettable: Memories, Times and Reflections in Japanese Cinema

Memories serve a powerful function in the mind. So fluidly shaped by individuals or time, whether consciously or unconsciously, memories seem to have been a source of inspiration for many filmmakers, fuelling their creativity to craft colourful stories. Indeed, memories have a huge influence over people’s lives in good or bad ways, both in the present and the future. 

Taking an inspiration from the global cinematic landscape, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2024 will look into Japanese cinema to explore how memories are employed into the cinematic voices of Japanese filmmakers, from the film where memories are a focal point, to the works that they play a subliminal role in driving or affecting people’s minds or behaviour. There will be a few cinematic examples of how life-changing incidents have left a long-lasting impact on those who survived.  

From human dramas to horror, from LGBTQ films to time-travelling comedy and stylish sci-fi, each film mirrors the Japanese society of the time it was made. Some are highly entertaining, while others are thought-provoking, ensuring there’s something for everyone by offering unforgettable moments with unforgettable content. Showcasing works by both seasoned directors and emerging talents, this programme will also present how versatile current Japanese films are and introduce filmmakers worth watching out for. 

(Image ©2023 “Do Unto Others” Film Partners)

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Previously in this season

Ripples

Yoriko leads a relatively ordinary life until her husband and son leave home for their own reasons. In order to fill the void, Yoriko devotes…

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Sabakan

Hisada’s memories of his childhood are bittersweet: in the summer of 1986, he befriended Takemoto Kenji from a shanty house, and the two embarked on…

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Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week!

Endless deadlines, sleepless nights – Akemi and all her co-workers are trapped in a bizarre office time loop where the same week repeats over and…

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Thousand and One Nights

Ever since Tomiko’s husband disappeared without a trace, she has drifted aimlessly through life, until she meets Nami, whose husband also vanished. The encounter changes…

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YOKO

Yoko is a 42-year-old recluse living in Tokyo. Having held a grudge against her father for 20 years, she is one day notified of his…

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Twilight Cinema Blues

Penniless Kondo’s encounter with homeless movie enthusiast Sato leads the young Kondo to take a job at the Ginpei Scala Theatre, a small independent cinema…

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Do Unto Others + Q&A

A shocking mystery unfolds as bodies are discovered, implicating dedicated caregiver Shiba Munenori in the deaths of 42 elderly patients. Pursued by prosecutor Otomo Hidemi,…

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