PH-Japan Friendship Month highlights film festival

LAST July 23 marked the 55th year of normalization of the Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations since after the World War II.

In celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month, the Japan film festival or Eiga Sai has been held throughout the country since July 1 until Aug. 20.

In Cebu, the Eiga Sai will open from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7 at the Ayala Center Cinema 4 Cebu.

Takeshi Isha, Japanese Association Cebu Inc. president, said Eiga Sai aims to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries through the Japanese films.

Now on its 13th year, Eiga Sai is organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila with the Embassy of Japan and Consular office of Japan in Cebu.

Event sponsors are Japanese Association Cebu Inc., Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cebu Inc. and Ayala Center Cebu.

According to the website of Japan Foundation Manila, nine Japanese cinematic masterpieces await film fanatics this year.

These include “The Summit, A Chronicle of Stones,” “The Chef of South Polar,” “One Million Yen Girl,” “Your Friend,” “Yunagi City, Sakura Country,” “Summer Days with Coo,” “Climber’s High,” “Feel the Wind” and “Villon’s Wife.”

“A picture is worth a thousand words, I hope many people would enjoy this film festival and get deeper insights of the Japanese people and our culture,” Ishida said.

Reana Meg, a member of the Nichibunken (Japanese Culture Research Club) at the University of the Philippines Cebu said, “I’m so excited to watch Japanese movies since this is a rare experience.”

All films will be shown for free with English subtitles. For screening schedules and inquiries, visit website www.jfmo.org.ph or call the Japan Foundation, Manila at (+632) 811-6155 to 58. /UP Masscom student Keiko Abe