Upcoming Films at the 2018 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is partnering with the 2018 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (September 28 – October 7) to present two special engagements at New People Cinema in San Francisco’s Japantown. Please join us at these screenings of modern Japanese film.

"Sekigahara” (Historical Drama)

Saturday, September 29; 12:00 Noon
+ Q&A with Director Masato Harada

San Francisco premiere of the film adaptation of Ryotaro Shiba’s best-selling novel which depicts a new interpretation of the Battle of Sekigahara, the greatest conflict of the Warring States Period in Japanese history. Daimyo Ishida Mitsunari has doubts about the Shogun’s self-interest-based rule. Shima Sakon is a brave general and Hatsume an Iga ninja who serves Mitsunari. Meanwhile, the ambitious Tokugawa Ieyasu persuasively wins over military commanders to his side. Mitsunari will somehow go to battle with Ieyasu at Sekigahara. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see director Masato Harada in person.

• For more information and tickets

“Magic Kimono” (Modern Drama)

Sunday, September 30; 1:40PM
+Q&A with Actress Kaori Momoi

Co-produced in Japan and the Republic of Latvia, the unusual reunion between a woman who has withdrawn into herself and her husband is depicted in this drama helmed by Latvian up-and-coming director Maris Martinsons. It stars Kaori Momoi and Issey Ogata.

Keiko, who lost everything in the Great Hanshin Earthquake, has lived a lonely life alone for the past 20 years. She reluctantly takes part in a kimono show in the Latvian capital of Riga. Backstage during the show, she is confronted by a man who appears to be her husband who had been reported missing after the earthquake. This screening will be followed by a Q&A session with film star Kaori Momoi.

• For more information and tickets