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Presenting a selection of bold new work about the experiences of women in contemporary Japan, this season showcases some of Japan’s exciting new and established movie directors.
A Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme.

NON-KO (NC – No Cert)
Sat 13 Mar 7.30pm
Nobuko (Maki Sakai), a failed actress and divorcee in her mid-30s, returns home, defeated, to her scornful family’s backwater Shinto shrine to help out with domestic chores. Kumakiri, who commanded global attention for his debut movie, Kichiku, adapted his own story here with his distinctive style.
Dir. Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, Japan, 2008, 1h 45m, Subtitled

Asyle (NC)
Sun 14 Mar 7.30pm
Tsuyako runs a dilapidated love hotel, renting rooms to couples for short stays. On the rooftop there is a small park where children and old people gather to spend time. Tsuyako sees through the loneliness of her woman visitors and provides them with unassuming support. In turn they help Tsuyako to face her own problems. Winner of the Best First Feature Award at Berlin 2008.
Dir. Izuru Kumasak, Japan, 2007, 1h 51m, Subtitled

Kamome Diner (NC)
Thu 18 Mar 7.30pm
This Rewarding Film Portrays The Interaction Between Sachie, An Émigré Japanese Restaurateur, And The Troubled Diners Who Gather At Her Helsinki Restaurant. It Evokes What It Is Like To Be An Outsider In A Community And How Through Patience And Small Daily Efforts, A Person Can Become A Part Of Their New Environment.
Dir. Naoko Ogigami, Japan, 2006,1h 42m, Subtitled

How To Become Myself (NC)
Fri 19 Mar 7.30pm
A memorable movie depicting the struggles of adolescent outsiders to find their own path in a conformist society, from the director of Tony Takitani. This is a more subtle, understated film than the usual ‘seishun eiga’ or ‘manga-to-movie’ style, of which it is an example.
Dir. Jun Ichikawa, Japan, 2007, 1h 37m, Subtitled

German Plus Rain (NC)
Sat 20 Mar 7.30pm
Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most exciting young directors, Satoko Yokohama’s exuberant movie centres on Yoshiko, an indomitable teenage misfit. Other Japanese movies have touched on serious issues like broken families and child abuse, but none has this much wild humour, or a heroine to compare with Yoshiko.
Dir. Satoko Yokohama, Japan, 2007, 1h 11m, Subtitled

Fourteen (NC)
Sun 21 Mar 3.30pm
This atmospheric drama follows Ryo (Akie Namieki), a young teacher who, unlike her colleagues, refuses to take an authoritarian line with her teenage students, and in doing so puts herself at risk, confronting her own dark past.
Dir. Hiromasa Hirosue, Japan, 2007, 1h 54m, Subtitled