Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme at Tyneside Cinema

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme is back for its 17th edition under the concept of ‘happiness’. The Japan Foundation has showcased, in close partnership with Tyneside Cinema, some of the finest Japanese films. With a line-up of contemporary titles that have never had a UK release, documentaries, anime, and classic masterpieces, there is always something for everybody.

Happiness, though universal in its importance, is felt so subjectively by humankind that the definition of the concept is still very elusive. And yet, the search for happiness has long provided Japanese cinema with a staple theme, and it is within its framework that the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2020 has been curated.

Embracing the rich and complex spectrum of emotions that go hand in hand with this concept, the programme seeks to present the highs and lows experienced in pursuit of happiness in Japan, showcasing diverse cinematic voices as they shine a light on stories of love, social inclusion, the resilience of humankind through times of hardship, and non-conventional paths to achieving and maintaining joy.

Ride your wave (波にのれたら) was shown on February 15, which is the first film to be shown in this Programme. It is directed by Masaaki Yua nsa and the plot is that 19-year-old Hinako Mukaimizu moves to an oceanside town to attend college. When her new apartment catches on fire, she is rescued by Minato Hinageshi, a 21-year-old firefighter. Hinako is drawn to his dependable personality, and they bond when he begins learning how to surf. As the two spend time together, they fall in love; however, when Minato goes surfing during a storm, he drowns while rescuing a person. Hinako is distraught with his death, but one day, she finds out that he appears in water whenever she sings “Brand New Story”, a song the two of them often sang together. Initially happy she can see him again, Hinako later learns that he cannot be free unless she is able to move on with her life.

Most of the audience were young people. They thought this film was really good and they might watch other Japanese films of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme at Tyneside Cinema.

Louise Bennett, the Head of Events in Tyneside Cinema, said: “The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme could introduce Japanese films’ versatility and uniqueness to the UK. Besides Ride your wave, several movies will be shown in the future, such as And Your Bird Can Sing, Jesus, Ten Dark Women and so on.”

If you are interested in Japanese films, you can buy tickets on https://tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/. You will not be disappointed !