This year’s 21st installment of the Japanese Foundation Manila’s annual Eigasai Japanese Film Festival is less than a month away. From Jul. 4 to Aug. 26, everyone can enjoy free* screenings of 15 full-featured in participating cinemas and screening venues in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Naga, and Davao.
True to this year’s theme “A Celebration of Collaboration and Diversity,” there are many other events and activities that foster inclusiveness and cooperation among the participants at partner institutions.
Apart from the 15 feature films, here’s what else you can expect at this year’s Eigasai.
Philippine Premier of Chihayafuru 3
Written and directed by Nori Koizumi, the third installment of the live-action film adaptation of Yuki Suetsugu’s manga series Chihayafuru, is set to open this year’s Eigasai with an encore screening of the two previous films in the movie franchise. Chihayafuru 3 stars Japanese actress Hirose Suzu who will play the lead part Chihaya Ayase.
Karuta card demonstration at the Ateneo de Manila University
There will also be a demonstration of karuta, the Japanese card game the Chihayafuru franchise. In the film, the heroine Chihaya, along with her friends formed a club called the “Competitive Karuta Club” to prepare them for the national championship. The demo will take place an hour before the screen of Chihayafuru 1 & 2.
Philippine Premier of “Of Love & Law”
In cooperation with this year’s Cinemalaya Film Fest, Director Hikaru Toda will be screening for the first time in the Philippines her documentary on the lives of two openly gay lawyers in Japan who are fighting for state recognition. Of Love & Law will be screened at the CCP Complex on August 4, followed by a talk with its director.
Panel Discussion on LGBTQ issues at the Cinematheque Center Manila
The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC), along with the Japanese Foundation Asia Center also organized a panel discussion on the issues surrounding the current state of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines. This is in conjunction with JFAC’s EYES for Embracing Diversity which aims to empower researchers, practitioners, and educators in Southeast Asia and Japan pushing for an inclusive and diverse society.
Manila Notes Launch
Apart from screening his film When the Curtain Raises, playwright and director Oriza Hirata will also give a talk introducing Manila Notes, the Philippine version of his award-winning play Tokyo Notes that premiered in 1994. It will be part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 32nd season and will open on Nov. 30.
For the full lineup, schedule and venues of screenings, visit Japan Foundation Manila’s website.
Photo Courtesy of Eigasai PH Facebook Page
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Writer: CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE
