A film galore that is themed around culture, lifestyle and values are what the Japanese Film Festival 2015 is all about.
Yes, the Japanese Film Festival has returned to Malaysia for the 12th time. With 13 titles lined up, the festival begins at Klang Valley from 10 to 16 September at GSC Mid Valley, GSC Pavilion KL and GSC 1 Utama. It then continues on in GSC Gurney Plaza, Penang from 17 to 20 September, GSC Suria Sabah, Kota Kinabalu from 24 to 27 September before making its final pit stop at GSC CityONE Megamall, Kuching on 1 to 4 October.
Held at GSC Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, the festival’s opening ceremony was graced by award-winning director/actor Masato Harada with his movie “Kakekomi” serving as the opening film.
From L-R: Mr. Takuji Harada (President of the Japan Club, Kuala Lumpur), Mr. Kenji Ohta (Chief Executive in Malaysia, General Manager of Kuala Lumpur Branch, Mitsubishi Corporation), Mr. Yoshinori Kodama (Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan),
Mr. Masato Harada (Director of the Opening Film “KAKEKOMI”), Ms. Koh Mei Lee (Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas), Mr. Shoichi Toyoda (Director of the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur), Mr. June Khoo (Cinema Online), Mr. Ho Hock Doong (ASTRO A-list), Ms. Kung Suan Ai (Director of Marketing, Pavilion KL) and
Mr. Koay Chee Keong (Head of Customer Management, Consumer Business, Maxis) at the opening ceremony.
Guests eagerly await the opening film “Kakekomi”.
Released in May at theatres in Japan, “Kakekomi” was a big hit with the Japanese audience and is still playing in Japanese cinemas due to popular demand. Set in old Edo, the samurai drama portrays a moving story about women seeking divorce from a refuge called Tokei-ji temple. Shinjiro, a novice doctor and aspiring writer, helps these women to start their lives anew as the place comes under siege by disapproving local magistrates, yakuza gangsters, and the many jilted husbands and lovers. The film exudes some elements of romance, drama, history and even touches on issues of entrusting oneself to a complete stranger when it comes to seeking for help.
“Kakekomi” will also be featured as the opening film for Kuching on 1 October.
A scene from “Kakekomi”. Photo courtesy of “Kakekomi” Film Partners.
All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets are priced at RM7.50 (including 6% GST), except for Initial D the Movie Legend 2: Racer and The Adventures of Tyrano Boy, which will be sold at prevailing ticket pricing. Grab a popcorn and immerse yourself in what our friends from the far east have to offer!
For more information on movie details and screening schedules, visit www.jfkl.org.my or www.gsc.com.my.
