NOW HAPPENING: Eiga Sai 2015
This annual festival strengthens bonds through film and food.
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July is Philippines-Japan Friendship month. One of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the 17th Annual Eiga Sai: The Japanese Film Festival 2015.
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BOTH ORGANIZERS AND GUESTS were very eager and excited during the Opening Night.
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LOOK at that crowd!
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The opening night was held July 9, 2015, Thursday at Shangri-La Plaza in EDSA. This year’s theme is Tasteful Japan with featured films categorized into two: Japanese Contemporary Films and Savory Japan. One of the objectives of Eiga Sai is to let Filipinos learn more about Japanese culture. What better way to do so than through film and food!
On the opening night, guests were treated to a cooking demonstration and a sumptuous feast, provided by Akira and SumoSam. Booths adorned with Japanese lanterns and umbrellas were also set up to serve as backgrounds for guests who want to capture the event with their cameras.
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KAWAII DECORATIONS adorn the venue.
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REPRESENTATIVES from the Japan Foundation officially opens Eiga Sai 2915.
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Guests then trooped to Shang Cineplex for the night’s featured film, Our Family (Bokutachi no kazoku). The movie depicts the life of an ordinary Japanese family facing a not-so-ordinary problem: the mother of the family was diagnosed with brain tumor. Critically acclaimed director, Ishii Yuya, perfectly captured all possible human emotions in this 2014 drama. Audience members couldn’t help but empathize with the main characters. The film tackles family struggles, personal dilemma, and social issues. By the end of the film, everyone had a smile on their face. Just about right, as the lead female character said, “In times like these, we smile.” Shortly after the movie, director Ishii Yuya and producer Nagai Takuro answered questions from the audience. They imparted information not only about the movie, but also about Japanese culture.
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‘Our Family’ Director Ishii Yuya answers the questions of the curious crowd.
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To catch more cinematic gems like Our Family, head on over to Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA. Eiga Sai runs from July 9 to July 19. You may check this link for a complete list of participating movies and schedule.
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Article by Manette Tuvida
Photos by Maki Asano and Aki Ochiai
