PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK: 12-24

Islamabad: 2nd October 2012                      

The Japanese Film Festival organized by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association kicked off at the PNCA, Islamabad on 2nd October, 2012, showcasing three Japanese films with English sub-titles. The festival was inaugurated by Mr. Akira Kono, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan.

This year, Embassy of Japan is showcasing “Samurai Movies” during the film festival for the Pakistani people. Samurai are often described as warriors with armor, helmet, or swords. But, the films being showcased in this festival highlight a different aspect of samurai, focused more on their daily lives. They are depicted as disciplined, thoughtful to others and dedicated to their families.

Inaugural film “Ame agaru (After the Rain)” is a story based on the last script written by the late, legendary Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa and is directed by his former assistant director of 28 years, Takashi Koizumi. It was awarded a Japanese Academy Award in 1999. “The Twilight Samurai,” a film to be showcased on the second day, is directed by a master of the Japanese film industry Yamada Yoji. “The Passage to Japan” which will be shown on the final day depicts a life of Yukichi Fukuzawa, one of the most prominent samurai who contributed to the foundation of Modern Japan at the end of 19th century. In the context of Samurai, Embassy of Japan will be holding an exhibition this November titled “The Spirit of Budo (The History of Japan’s Martial Arts)” where armors, helmets and swords of Samurai Warriors will be exhibited.

The Japanese Film Festival in Pakistan has been held since 1995 to provide an opportunity for the people of Pakistan to learn various aspects of Japanese tradition, culture, lifestyle and society. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan.

This festival is open to school children and the public on 3 & 4 October, 2012 at the National Art Gallery Auditorium (PNCA), Islamabad. Those interested to attend must get themselves registered with the Embassy of Japan. (End)