‘Eiga-Sai’ Japanese Film Festival returns to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in cooperation with The Japan Foundation, Manila, stages the much-anticipated “Eiga-Sai” Japanese Film Festival in celebration of the Philippines–Japan Friendship Month in July and the 40th Year of ASEAN–Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The festival opens with an invitational screening of the film About Her Brother (Otouto) on July 3 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 2, EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

Otouto is master filmmaker Yoji Yamada’s first contemporary feature in ten years. He has always been known for his humanistic films.Paying homage to Ichikawa Kon’s film of the same title, the film’s story revolves around a widow’s unconditional love for her prodigal brother, as well as that of other people who have been touched by her kindness.

It is a heartwarming depiction of the bond between a hard-working older sister Ginko (Yoshinaga Sayuri) and her younger brother Tetsuro (Shofukutei Tsurube), an unsuccessful performer and drunkard. Widowed young, Ginko runs a pharmacy in Tokyo and lives with her daughter, Koharu (Aoi Yu). Koharu is to marry a distinguished doctor; but, out of the blue, Ginko’s long lost brother, Tetsuro shows up at the wedding — wasted and not in his best elements, he ruins the occasion. Having to put up with him all her life, Ginko is ready to disown her burdensome younger brother; but, some things are easier said than done.

This year’s festival will also feature the complete edition of Always Sunset on Third Street (Always Sancho-me no Yuhi) Part 1 to 3, Confessions (Kokuhaku), Kamui (Kamui Gaiden), Rinco’s Restaurant (Shokudo Katatsumuri), Mai Mai Miracle (Mai Mai Shinko to Sennen no Maho), Castle Under Fiery Skies (Katen no Shiro), Japan, Our Homeland, Parade and Dear Doctor.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Screening venues are at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 (July 4 to 14), Abreeza, Ayala and FDCP Cinematheque, Davao City (July 19 to 28), Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu City (Aug. 7 to 11) and UP Film Institute, Quezon City (Aug. 19 to 25).  

For the complete schedule and synopsis of the films, visit http://www.jfmo.org.ph/files/upload/file/pdf/2013/july/2013%20Eigasai%20Flyer.pdf