The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Brisbane as JFF Plus in 2020 with a line-up of the very best of fresh and classic Japanese cinema, along with a twist – it’s all online! This year’s edition of the beloved festival will screen more than 25 films including three captivating documentaries and nine shorts for audiences across Australia and New Zealand to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
The program showcases an array of award-winning films from the likes of the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Shanghai International Film Festival and the prestigious cinema magazine Kinema Junpo, traversing everything from quirky rom-coms to gripping dramas and comedies that will make you cry-laugh.
Those who are die-hard fans of the festival can take a look back on favourite titles from festivals past, with titles like 2011’s Railways, A Story of Yonosuke from 2013 and 2014’s Lady Maiko all making a reappearance. Audiences will also be treated to the visually stunning animated adventures of Sumikkogurashi: Good to be in the Corner and Tokyo Marble Chocolate.
Lovers of inspiring documentaries will enjoy Hong Kong International Film Festival Best Documentary Winner Peace, the incredible filmmaking feat Tora-san in Goto (shot over 22 years), and seafood odyssey Tsukiji Wonderland. The program also features nine animated shorts from two powerhouse creators, legendary studio Production I.G and award-winning stop motion animator Takeshi Yashiro. Highlights include Production I.G.’s 2013 Fantasia International Film Festival Best Animated Short Film winner Kick-Heart and Takeshi Yashiro’s 2016 Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia, Japan Competition Best Short Award-winning Moon of a Sleepless Night.
This is just a small sample of the incredible films available to watch at this year’s JFF Plus: Online Festival – to check out the full program and to start planning your watch list, head to the festival’s official website.
Image credits
Image one: One Night (2019) copyright film partners
Image two: Copyright Maeda/Team F. Copyright Dynamic Planning, Toei Animation
Image three: Little Nights, Little Love (2019) copyright film partners
Image four: Copyright Taiyo Kikau Co. Ltd / Explorers Japan Ltd. All rights reserved
Image five: Railways (2010) copyright film partners
