THE JAPAN FOUNDATION TOURING FILM PROGRAMME
18/19
MAIKO WA REDÎ
LADY MAIKO
SUN 5 MAR, 2.45PM
DIR: MASAYUKI SUO • JAPAN • 2014 • 2 HRS 15 MINS SUBTITLED • RECOMMENDED PG
A My Fair Lady-esque musical capturing the aspirations and struggles of naïve country bumpkin Haruko who strives to become a maiko (apprentice geisha) in Kyoto. Directed by Japan’s master of entertainment films Masayuki Suo (Shall We Dance?), the film is a fun-filled and toe-tapping treat providing an insight into the world of geisha and the dedication it takes to achieve your dreams. TSUKUROI TATSU HITO
A STITCH OF LIFE SAT 25 MAR, 3.25PM
DIR: YUKIKO MISHIMA • JAPAN • 2015 • 1 HR 44 MINS SUBTITLED • RECOMMENDED PG
Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, dressmaker Ichie (Miki Nakatani) tailor-makes clothes for each client using an old sewing machine. One day, a department store asks to turn her clothing into a brand – will Ichie succumb to this big offer? Acclaimed director Yukiko Mishima (Bread and Happiness) adapts this manga into a heartfelt portrayal of a persevering and proud dressmaker and the people who love her creations. KOE NO KATACHI
A SILENT VOICE SUN 26 MAR, 3.20PM
An emotional and beautifully animated film following young Shoya, a boy tormented by his past bullying of deaf classmate Shoko. Shoya decides he must see Shoko once more to atone for his sins, but is it already too late? Based on a popular manga comic focusing on the consequences of bullying, this film is directed by one of the most sought after anime directors in Japan, Naoko Yamada (Tamako Love Story).
IMAGE: LADY MAIKO
DIR: NAOKO YAMADA • JAPAN • 2016 • 2 HRS 9 MINS SUBTITLED