Japanese Film Festival 2008

Having attended the last two editions faithfully, I dare say that this is one of the many festivals here that I look forward too fervently, because of the programming which is based on a theme, as well as having almost half of the selection FREE for the public, which digs into the archives to screen some gems already seldom seen, or not available through DVD, and for fans who wish to interact with the filmmakers, there will also be a director/actor/actress in focus, whose movies will be screened, and they will be in attendance as well for some Q&A sessions.

Shifted to late August from the traditionally September period, this year's festival explores Jyo-yuu, on women. The festival will also pay homage to the works of director NARUSE Mikio and actress-director TANAKA Kinuyo, as well as having in attendance directors KAWASE Naomi, MATSUOKA Naomi and MATSUE Tetsuaki.

Waste no time and visit the Official Festival Website for details of the lineup of films, which include Sakuran (I've waited for more than a year to finally be able to watch this) and The Mourning Forest, which won the Grand Prix in the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.

All screenings will take place at The National Museum of Singapore's Gallery Theatre from August 22nd to 31st. See you there!