– The highly anticipated Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns
to Singapore from 26 September to 20 October at Shaw Lido, Oldham Theatre and The Projector, showcasing a compelling blend of tradition and modernity through a carefully curated selection of 31 films across 7 programme segments. Following last year’s successful masterclass, this year will also have 2 Masterclasses and 2 sessions of post-screening Q&A with filmmakers in attendance.
Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore and the Japan Foundation (JF), in collaboration with Singapore Film Society (SFS), are delighted to announce that this year’s festival theme is “Continuity” – this year’s programme highlights the blend of tradition and
modernity in Japanese cinema, showcasing films that respect cinematic history while embracing today’s stories.
JFF2024 HIGHLIGHTS
A highlight of JFF 2024 is the Reverberations: 70th Anniversary of Godzilla segment, where 2 monumental films converge: the 70th-anniversary screening of the original classic Godzilla in stunning 4K restoration – fresh off its world premiere at Berlinale 2024 – and the Singapore
premiere of the latest instalment, the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One. This juxtaposition of old and new encapsulates the festival’s commitment to celebrating cinematic legacies while embracing contemporary storytelling.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the visionary work of Director ISHII Gakuryu in the Director in Focus, Dynamic and Eclectic: Gakuryu ISHII segment. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience his zany, time-capsule masterpieces alongside his latest creation,
The Box Man, a film that delves into the voyeuristic nature of cinema and its reflection on societal interactions. This long-awaited adaptation of a novel by ABE Kobo, which premiered at Berlinale 2024, challenges viewers to explore the voyeuristic essence of cinema and its reflection on human interactions and societal norms. Director ISHII Gakuryu will attend the festival in person for a post-screening Q&A and a free (with registration) Masterclass.
Along with Director ISHII Gakuryu, this year’s festival also invites another esteemed guest from Japan: OKAWA Keiko the editor of the opening film All the Long Nights for a post-screening Q&A, providing attendees with exclusive opportunities for in-person interactions.
As the 2024 Japanese Film Festival unfolds, it promises to be a celebration of continuity, where the timeless art of cinema bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, past and future. Through these carefully curated selections, JFF 2024 invites audiences to reflect on the
enduring connections between tradition and innovation, showcasing the power of cinema to bridge time and culture.
The festival key art beautifully extends the symbolism of the iconic paper crane logo of the Japanese Film Festival, emphasising continuity and evolution. The idea of the crane’s form transitioning into a ribbon-like film reel serves as a dynamic visual metaphor for the Japanese
Film Festival’s ongoing journey in Singapore. The fluid motion of the reel symbolises the festival’s adaptability and growth over its 41-year history, while the crane maintains its core, reflecting the festival’s commitment to its roots.
Tickets and more info can be found here https://jff.sg. Ticket sales begin 12 September 2024.
