Here's for another update on another event which will be touring the UK! So I'd heard about this film programme through my email subscription with The Japan Foundation after I signed up them a while back when I first went to Hyper Japan a couple years ago or so. Other than the random subscriptions from stores I have a tendency to read my emails quite thoroughly and it's always interesting to see what's currently going on! I know a lot of people have asked me how I manage to find out about all these events, trust me emails and social media is the biggest place to find events!

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2016 is not something to be missed! With 14 various films to be screened of all different genres, there's an opportunity to pick a film which entices you. Or maybe even pick a film completely different from your typical preference and learn to like something new! The films are also screened on different dates, some of which are screened more than once at a specific location so if you missed out on one, there may possibly be another screening to suit your schedule. 

So what exactly are the locations involved in the programme? 

We've got 13 different locations from the UK! 

As you can see, the tour will commence in London at the ICA, But what's use knowing dates and locations without knowing what films are screening, right?
(Credits to AsianWiki and MyAnimeList for the photos and the ICA for the movie descriptions)

The Letter - A portrait of two brothers, Tsuyoshi and Naoki, torn apart when Tsuyoshi accidently commits murder. Despite the good intentions behind the crime, Naoki begins to despise his brother for the trouble he caused. A film exploring the toll a crime can have on the offender’s family.

Cheers From Heaven - An emotional drama based on the true story of Hikaru (played by Hiroshi Abe), an Okinawan “bento” (lunch box) shop owner who, whilst battling a terminal illness, devoted himself to helping a group of young aspiring musicians follow their dreams.

Noriben - The Recipe For Fortune - After leaving her jobless husband, Komaki tries to make ends meet by opening her own "bento" (lunch box) shop and offering inexpensive but undoubtedly delicious food. A heartfelt story of a woman’s journey to independence that is guaranteed to whet your appetite!

Uzumasa Limelight - An award-winning film telling the admirable story of Seiichi, a ‘kirareyaku’ actor whose main role in samurai movies was simply to be killed-off. When the studio where he works decides to discontinue its samurai epics, Seiichi finds himself at a loss.

I'll Give You My All... Tomorrow - Fed-up forty-something Shizuo (Shinichi Tsutsumi) quits his job to embark on a reluctant pursuit to follow his dreams and eventually realises his true passion in life: Manga! Without much preparation or any skill, Shizuo begins work on his masterpiece…

Being Good - Tasuku (Kengo Kora) is a new primary school teacher who discovers one of his pupils is being neglected, whilst in the same city, a woman who appears to be a good mother can’t help hitting her own child. A heart-wrenching story of people caught in downward spirals by director Mipo O.

Tale Of A Butcher Shop - An award-winning documentary about the Kitades and their family-run butcher shop in Kaizuka City (outside Osaka), where they have been raising and slaughtering cattle, and selling their meat in their small shop for over 100 years.

A Japanese Tragedy - Director Keisuke Kinoshita creates a bleak portrait of the social realities of the postwar existence through mother Haruko’s story of self-sacrifice as she struggles to raise her materialistic-minded children after losing her husband in the war.

The Elegant Life Of Mr Everyman - A ‘salaryman comedy’ about Eburi, who drunkenly promises to pen his clients a masterpiece and who must stay true to his word. Featuring animation and audacious editing, this idiosyncratic and inventive classic film is a timeless treatment of life in postwar Japan.

Anthem Of The Heart - Young girl Jun loses the ability to speak after feeling her words cause her trouble. One day Jun is grouped with students at her high school and needs to put on a musical – will Jun be able to find her voice? A charming animated story from the creators of the smash hit movie Anohana.

Miss Hokusai - Set in early 19th century Japan during the Edo period, this animation by Keiichi Hara (Colorful) brings to life the story of O-Ei, the daughter of ukiyo-e master, Hokusai. Often contributing to his art whilst remaining uncredited, this anime is a tribute to the woman overshadowed by her large-than-life father.

However... four lucky locations will have the opportunity to meet special guest, Yuki Tanada!

• Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London - 6th and 9th February 2016
• Watershed, Bristol - 8th February 2016
• Phoenix, Leicester - 11th February 2016
• QUAD, Derby - 12th February 2016

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But as a Londoner myself, I feel like you shouldn't miss out on an ticket deal with the ICA!

The ICA are providing you the opportunity to buy four tickets for the price of three!
(£33 for four full price tickets, £24 for four concession tickets, £21 for 4 members tickets)
ICA's 4 for 3 Ticket Deal

Don't miss out! Since there are so many films available for screening, purchasing tickets ASAP for the films you're most interested in would be the most beneficial! If you can't choose between films why not watch as many as you can? With the offer provided by the ICA you are given an extra advantage in enjoying the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme!

For more information check out The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme website below:

http://www.jpf-film.org.uk/

Don't forget to also join the Facebook event page below!
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2016