Monday, October 22, 2012

Tokyo International Film Festival


        This year the Tokyo film Festival will be turning 25 and will be holding commemorative programs, which will include a three-day showing of six Japanese films from the Showa era (1926-89). It’s a way for Japanese viewers to connect over the conversation they will have from the films since the youth will not remember but those over 40 will and be able to share their memories with the younger viewers. The festival finds its origins in Tokyo following World War 2 people wanted a way to celebrate and let their minds escape in cinema.  The first Osaka expo was held in 1970 and was way to enter Japan on the film festival map since other festivals had been established in other countries by this time but it fell through and they had to wait until 1985 to hold the expo in Tsukuba. The first festival opened with Ran a masterwork by legendary director Akira Kurosawa, who was active and willing participant of the festival.  Many people attended the film festival just for chance to meet Kurosawa on his home turf, the next festival was in 1987 and Kurosawa was in attendance once again. The festival has become part of the world network of films festivals and takes place every October in Japan. This year focuses more documentary based line up films focusing on the environment and current serious issues that are going on in the world.

1. Have you ever hear of any other film festivals or directors who partake in them?

2. Would you think of movie culture is big in Japan, why or why not?

3.  Do you think movies are good way to escape or celebrate an event?  

2 comments:

  1. I never really thought of a large movie culture in Japan. It is interesting how successful their movie industry is. I do think that movies are a great way to escape life for a minute.

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  2. It is interesting to think about how successful their movie industry is. Movies are a great way to tell a story, that can provide remembrance and escape. Movies are an important aspect of culture and have the ability to share stories that can sometimes not be retold with words.

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