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 flavourful culinary world of Japan and the contemporary films released in Japan in 2014. Expect a variety of film genres—comedy, feature, documentary, historical dramas and the all-time favorite sci-fi/ fantasy to complete this year’s line-up. Eiga Sai 2015 is generously supported by JT International (Philippines), Akira, SumoSam, Bobson, ClickTheCity.com and Eagle Broadcasting Corporation.
The director of the opening film “Our Family,” Mr. Yuya Ishii will be coming all the way from Japan to grace the opening night at the Shang Cineplex on July 9 (Thursday/7:30pm screening time). He will also have a Director’s Talk at the Lopez Center Studio, Ateneo de Manila University on July 10 (Friday/3:00pm) and at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 on July 11 (Saturday/4:30pm).
Director Ishii, known for his work ‘The Great Passage” – selected as Japan’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, directs this film adaptation of Kazumasa Hayami’s same-titled novel. The story depicts traces of emotional journey of a four-member family that is falling apart until the mother is diagnosed with brain tumor. Japan’s renowned actor Satoshi Tsumabuki gives a subtle and stirring performance as the responsible yet melancholy-prone, Kosuke—the eldest son.
“Our Family” confirms 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 includes, Wood Job! (Wood job Kamusari naa naa nichijo), Thermae Romae II (Terumae Romae II), Parasyte (Kiseijuu), A Tale of Samurai Cooking – A True Love Story (Bushi no kondate), Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime), Tada’s Do-It-All House: Disconcerto (Mahoroekimae kyosokyoku), It’s a Beautiful Life – IRODORI (Jinsei irodori), PATISSERIE Coin de rue (Yougashiten koandoru), Wa-shoku ~Beyond Sushi~ (WA-Shoku Dream)and The God of Ramen (Ramen yori taisetsuna mono).
All films are with English subtitles. Screening venues are at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 (July 9 to 19), FDCP Cinematheque, Davao (July 14 to 19), Abreeza Mall Cinema, Davao (July 24 to 26) and UP Film Institute (August 12 to 15) and Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu City (August 19 to 23). For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call telephone numbers (+632) 811-6155 to 58.
