Courtesy of Japan Foundation
Discover new perspectives from Japan through the Japan Foundation’s JFF+ Independent Cinema 2023.
This year’s lineup of independent films is focused on recommendations by Japan’s “mini-theaters” that have supported the diversity of Japanese film culture.
In addition to making 12 Japanese films available for streaming, JFF+ Independent Cinema 2023 includes a variety of content that provides insight into the state of Japanese cinema, including interviews with directors, cast members, and managers of participating mini-theaters.
See the JFF Online lineup of films below.
Those interested in watching the films can create a free online access account through the JFF website by clicking the button below.
Happy viewing!
JFF FILM LINEUP
TENZO (2019)
Director: TOMITA Katsuya
Documentary | 59m
A film that delves into the exploration of faith after “3.11”, incorporating a blend of documentary and fiction elements.
A Girl in My Room (2022)
Director: TAKAHASHI Natsuki
Drama, Romance | 1h 38m
A fantasy romantic comedy that highlights the charm of the city of Onomichi.
BON-UTA, A Song from Home (2019)
Director: NAKAE Yuji
Documentary | 2h 14m
A story of connection between Fukushima and Hawaii through traditional performing arts.
Techno Brothers (2023)
Director: WATANABE Hirobumi
Comedy, Music | 1h 37m
A must for techno lovers! A road movie unfolds as mysterious musicians take center stage.
And Your Bird Can Sing (2018)
Director: MIYAKE Sho
Documentary | 1h 46m
A youth drama that depicts the city of Hakodate and the lives of its young residents.
An Artisan’s Legacy, Tsunekazu Nishioka (2012)
Director: YAMAZAKI Yuji
Documentary | 1h 28m
A documentary woven with the words of the last miyadaiku and narratives from people with deep connections, telling the story of his life and work.
LONELY GLORY (2022)
Director: SAKON Keitaro
Drama | 1h 22m
A human drama that provokes contemplation on the essence of "family" and local "shops".
HANAGATAMI (2017)
Director: OBAYASHI Nobuhiko
Drama · 2h 49m
An OBAYASHI’s film shot entirely in Karatsu, depicting the poetic way of life of young people.
Follow the Light (2021)
Director: NARITA Yoichi
Drama, Sci-Fi | 1h 44m
"Light" shines upon the faces of the boys and girls whose hearts sway in their desolate hometown.
Bachiranun (2021)
Director: HIGASHIMORI Aika
Documentary | 1h 1m
A docu-fiction film that intoxicates viewers with the vibrant beauty of Yonaguni Island life.
A Muse Never Drowns (2022)
Director: ASAO Nozomi
Drama, Romance | 1h 22m
A fresh coming-of-age film that depicts the diversity of way of living through scrap-and-build.
Hey! Our dear Don-chan (2022)
Director: OKITA Shuichi
Drama, Comedy | 2h 37m
A miracle independent film capturing the growth of a single baby over a period of 3 years.
About the Japanese Film Festival:
From August till October 2023, the Japan Foundation (JF) will hold a special feature "JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023" which will shine a spotlight on the "mini-theaters" that support the diversity of Japanese film culture and adding to the vibrancy of local communities.
Following the highly successful launch of "JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA" in 2022, which showcased 12 Japanese films and 6 mini-theaters for overseas viewers and received a great response. We are happy to announce we will distribute 12 Japanese movies recommended by mini-theaters around Japan and filmmakers around the world, additionally we will provide complementary access to videos that introduce 10 mini-theaters. To enhance your experience, we have also prepared a variety of content on the website that will allow you to further experience the charm of the mini theater.
Mini theaters play a pivotal role in supporting Japanese film culture. In 2022, there were over 590 movie theaters, with an impressive 136 of them being mini theaters, accounting for about 20% of all movie theaters. In addition, of the 538 movies released in theaters in the same year, a staggering 60% of those were-small scale productions released in 49 or fewer theaters, majority of these films found themselves being exclusively shown in mini-theaters*.
Mini theaters play a crucial role in supporting Japanese film culture. In addition to being a venue for movie screenings, they also contribute to the production of movie sets in their respective local areas. Moreover, many mini have as cafes as well as other additional amenities, creating a hub that attracts a diverse range of people. Serving as a platform that foster connections and collaborations within the community, by embracing multifaceted roles, mini theaters are a reflection of the local communities they are a part of.
We hope that through this project, you will be able to experience the many charming aspects of the mini theater, which is an important stage for Japanese film.
※Referring to "Movie Screening Activity Yearbook 2022" (JAPAN COMMUNITY CINEMA CENTER)
In addition to movies, the festival plans to produce a variety of Japanese cinema related content including events and special feature articles published on the JFF+ website.