KUCHING: The much-awaited Japanese Film Festival is making its comeback in Kuching, offering the finest selection of Japanese cinema on the big screen.
The JFF, now in its 11th year in Kuching, will run from Oct 5 to 8 at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) CityONE Megamall.
It is organised by the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with GSC and its international screens, sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed his support for film festivals like the JFF to promote greater understanding between countries.
“This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Asean Friendship and Cooperation, which has helped to establish close relations between Japan and Southeast Asian countries.
“I am glad that JFF is back for another year to share some incredible Japanese movies in Malaysia and also in the beautiful city of Kuching,” he said, officiating at the opening ceremony of the JFF on Wednesday (Oct 4).
The JFF was launched on Sept 5 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall Klang Valley followed by Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching and will be wrapping up in Kota Kinabalu on Oct 15.
This year’s line-up consists of 12 titles, which are A Man (drama, mystery), And Yet, You Are Sweet (drama, romance), Lupin the 3rd, The Castle of Cagliostro (animation, adventure), Manhole (suspense thriller), MONDAYS: See you “this” week! (comedy), Small, Slow but Steady (drama), The Lines That Define Me (drama), The Water Flows to the Sea (drama), The Zen Diary (drama) and Shylock’s Children (drama, mystery)
Today, the film Shylock’s Children directed by Motoki Katsuhide was exclusively screened at GSC CityOne Megamall as the opening film.
Festival goers will be rewarded while enjoying the festival by collecting stamps which can be used to redeem exclusive goodies and prizes.
Tickets for the JFF will be sold at RM10 (except “Manhole”) via GSC channels with all films presented in Japanese with English subtitles.
A complete listing of JFF film synopses, showtimes and general information is available at jfkl.org.my/japanese-film-festival-2023 and gsc.com.my
Also present were International Trade, Industry and Investment Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur director Norihisa Tsukamoto and Mitsubishi Corporation chief representative for Malaysia, Masashi Shiraishi.
