(Courtesy of the Japan Foundation in Manila)
MANILA – The 2024 Japanese Film Festival formally opened this week, offering access to 14 Japanese films, four of which are nostalgic animated movies that will surely take moviegoers on a trip down memory lane.
This year’s festival, more commonly known as the Eigasai, is screening the First Slam Dunk, two Detective Conan movies, and an animated and live-action remake of the hit Voltes V.
As in the past festivals, the Japanese Foundation will also screen various genres from romance to coming-of-age drama to comedy.
The festival will run from Feb. 1 to March 3 to be staged in the following venues:
• Shangri-la Red Carpet Cinema (Feb. 1-11);
• SM Seaside City Cebu (Feb. 16-25);
• SM City Baguio (Feb. 23 to March 3);
• SM City Iloilo (Feb. 23 to March 3);
• SM City Davao (Feb. 23 to March 3); and
• The UPFI Film Center (Feb. 2 to March 2)
More information about the lineup and schedule may be accessed via the Japanese Foundation's website: https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/
At the festival’s opening ceremony at Shangri-La Plaza on Feb. 1, the Japanese Embassy in Manila also awarded the Ambassador’s Commendation to Japanese pop culture trailblazers in the Philippines Larry Chan of TELESUCCESS PRODUCTIONS and the GMA Network, Inc.
The embassy recognized Chan's legacy in bringing such iconic titles as "Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V," "Slam Dunk," "YuYu Hakusho," and "Boys Over Flowers," to the Philippines and for playing a “pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Philippines.” (PNA)
