Japanese movie buffs rejoice! The Chennai Japan Film Festival is here!

CHENNAI: Names such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Akira Kurosawa are not unknown, especially to film lovers across the globe. Having directed some of the most critically acclaimed films such as Rashomon (1950) and The life of Oharu (1952), they can be credited for popularizing Japanese movies across the world. And to create more awareness about Japanese cinema among the youth, the sixth edition of the Chennai Japan Film Festival was flagged off in the city recently by The Consulate General of Japan in Chennai, the Japan Foundation and the Indo-Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF).

The three-day film festival which debuted in 2012 saw the screening of five Japanese movies and was organised this year to commemorate the year of Japan-India friendly exchange. The film festival was inaugurated by Seiji Baba, Consul-General of Japan at Chennai. Actor-director K Bhagyaraj, his wife and actress Poornima, Sivan Kannan, president of Indo-Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) and Kanae Nakaya, assistant Japanese language advisor, were present.

Speaking at the occasion, Seiji Baba expressed his gratitude to be a part of the festival. “India has produced many fine films in various subjects. And we always remember Chennai for its film culture. There’s a considerable fan following in Japan too, thanks to Muthu (1995 superhit starring Rajinikanth and Meena), which was produced in Chennai,” he said.

The theme for this year’s festival was human relationships, and it was commonly seen in all the five films. “Every year, we have been having a Japanese film festival. These are a unique blend of films where nature, society and people all blend subtly with tradition,” shared Sivan.

The films which were screened through the course of the festival included Sketches of Kaitan City (2010), All around us (2008), and others.

Bhagyaraj who bowed as a traditional Japanese way of greeting said that he was fascinated by the Japanese and their hardworking nature. “The Japanese are so hard-working and humble. I am very curious to see their films as well,” he said.