FilmFilm Division

Shozo Makino Award

Photo: Bessatsu Taiyo 97 Nihon Eiga to Kyoto, p.10
Founded in 1958 by the “Committee to Honor Shozo Makino”, for the purpose of awarding filmmakers who contributed to the development of Japanese cinema. Shozo was a Kyoto born filmmaker often regarded as the father of Japanese cinema.
The award had been given at the Kyoto Citizen’s Film Festival and Kyoto Film Festival then at Kyoto International Film and Art Festival. The award is given to a living filmmaker (producers, directors, screenwriters, and other technical staff members) who contributed to the development of Japanese cinema.

Award Winners at KIFF:
Daisaku Kimura (2014)
Teruyo Nogami (2015)
Masahiro Shinoda (2016)
and Jiro Shindo (2017)

Selection Committee

Masahiko Tsugawa (Actor, Film Director) Sadao Nakajima (Director / Honorary Chairman of Kyoto International Film and Art Festival) Tsuneyuki Kamikura (Professor Emeritus of Osaka University) Hiroshi Yamaguchi (President, Toei Kyoto Studio) Kazuyoshi Okuyama (Film Producer)

Toshiro Mifune Award

From Toshiro Mifune Official Website
Toshiro Mifune is one of the leading Japanese movie stars representing the best of Japan’s post-war movies. To this day, he is admired throughout the world. The fierce action scenes rendered through his wild, dynamic demeanor and tall frame have had a revolutionary impact on cinematic expression and acting worldwide.
The Toshiro Mifune award has been newly established for the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival, with a selection committee that is made up of leading figures in the Japanese movie scene. The award is given to actors who are most likely to make an international impact on the film industry.

Award Winners at KIFF:
Koji Yakusho (2014)
Tatsuya Nakadai (2015)
Hiroshi Abe (2016)
Tadanobu Asano (2017)

Selecting Committee(In no particular order)

Teruyo Nogami (Writer, Kurosawa Film Scripter)
Tadao Sato (Film Critic)
Daisaku Kimura (Cinematographer, Director)
Rikiya Mifune( President of Mifune Production)
Kazuyoshi Okuyama (Film Producer)

Special Invitation

Exciting films unbounded by genre will be introduced with special guests, including films to be released after KIFF 2018 and foreign films unreleased in Japan.
This year, we are holding a world premiere screening of director Sadao Nakajima’s long-awaited new film "LOVE’S TWISTING PATH"

TV DIRECTOR‘S MOVIE

Initiated for the 2nd Okinawa Movie Festival, this project brings together TV stations and Yoshimoto Kogyo to co-create ambitious movies unbridled by genre conventions. Following the festival in Okinawa, the program introduces numerous quality films produced through this project all at once.
This year, we are screening seven works of cinematic brilliance where collaboration has finally been realized between broadcasters and the Yoshimoto Talent creators, with their rich event ideas.

Silent & Classic Films

This is KIFF’s staple category, where a unique cinematic experience of “discovering the new through the old” is offered to old and young audiences in the birthplace of Japanese cinema, Kyoto.
The program will be held in the historic, 110-year-old building of Ooe Nougakudou, where visitors enjoy a form of silent film with narration ("Katsuben") and musical instrument performance, and comedians take on the challenge of performing "Katsuben".
It is sure to offer a memorable cinematic experience for all those who visit.

150 Years Since the Meiji Restoration

Between 1920-1930, numerous films were made covering the Meiji Restoration at the end of the Edo period (150 years ago). But until now, there have been virtually no opportunities to watch these films.
We will be screening masterpiece period films, including toy films and small-scale films that have largely never been seen before. This includes a newly discovered film by director Hisayasu Takahashi, entitled Teru Hi Kumoru Hi, and Meiji Gannen, a rare film directed by Daisuke Ito, who laid the foundations the period drama genre.

Screening Films

"Kuramatengu","Jiraika-gumi","Yajikita Sonnoue no Maki","Issatsutashoken"
"Edo to Meiji Period through Toy Films"
"Teru Hi Kumoru Hi" Directed by Hisayasu Takahashi: Newly Discovered Film
"Tsukikata Hanpeita, Meiji Gannnen Directed by Daisuke Ito
"Sakamoto Ryoma","Kenshi Katsura Kogoro","Shinsengumi Kongo Isami","Anba Tengu Jigoku no Mon"

Golden Age of American Comedy

We will screen famous comedies made in the golden age of American film in the early 20th century, showcase works from famous Japanese photographers and performers,and feature talks from experts in the silent film era.

Screening Films

"Retrospective on the Scion of Comedy, Harold Lloyd"
Movie Crazy, Safety Last
"Kings of Comedy"
The Half-Back of Notre Dam, Larry Semon’s The Grocery Clerk,Laurel and Hardy in Liberty
"Buster Keaton, the Laugh Out Loud Comedy King"
Our Hospitality

Cinderella Princess Feature

Silent films will be screened alongside a narrator.

Screening Films

Cinderella (Directed by Lotte Reiniger), Coronation of Elizabeth II (Documentary)
Date/Time: October 12 Only 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Venue: Wacoal Study Hall Kyoto

Simultaneously Presenting an Exhibit of Cinderella Over the Century

We will also present an exhibition of clothing, picture books, and paintings of Cinderella, along with lectures at the same venue.(From the Princess Museum and the Kawata Masanao Collection)
Exhibition Period: Thursday, October 12 to Thursday, October 20
Venue: Wacoal Study Hall Kyoto

See the Wacoal Study Hall Kyoto website for details: http://www.wacoal.jp/studyhall/

Other

"To Sleep So As To Dream", Directed by Kaizo Hayashi
"Screenings of Narrated Silent Kyoto News" also planned.
 

Special Screening

This project is designed to offer new discoveries through the screen by shining the light on individuals and distinctive themes.

Kinji Fukasaku Retrospective Vol. 1

Following last year’s “Hideo Gosha” Special, with behind the scenes interviews, this event introduces the masterpieces of Kinji Fukasaku, Japan’s leading director who was in the frontline of the Japanese film scene from the Showa through to Heisei era.

Screening Films

"Graveyard of Honor" (1975)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku, Story: Hajime Saito, Script: Tatsuhiko Kamoi, Starring: Tetsuya Watari, Tatsuo Umemiya, Yumi Takigawa
"Hokuriku Proxy War" (1977)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku, Script: Koji Takada, Starring: Hiroki Matsukata, Yukimo Nogawa, Takeo Chii
"The Triple Cross" (1992)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku Script: Shoichi Maruyama Starring: Kenichi Hagiwara, Keiko Oginome, Kazuya Kimura
Profile
Born July 3, 1930 in Midoriokamura, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Attended Ibaraki University Junior High School, Ibaraki Prefectural Mito First High School, and then enrolled at the Nihon University College of Art.
After graduating, Fukasaku joined the Toei Company in 1953.
He made his directorial debut in 1961 with Wandering Detective: Tragedy in Red Valley, the first film to star Sonny Chiba.
Released in 1973, his hit film Battles Without Honor and Humanity, broke Japanese film history records. Known for numerous major hit films, including Shogun’s Samurai (1978), Virus (1980), Makai Tensho (1981), Fall Guy (1982), Legend of the Eight Samurai (1983), Crest of Betrayal (1994), and Battle Royale (2000).
Fukasaku was awarded with a Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor in 1997.
His work in 2002 directing a CG movie for Clocktower 3 (a Playstation 2 game by Capcom) would mark his final film.
On September 25, 2002, it was announced that Fukasaku suffered from prostate cancer, which had metastasized in the spine. The same day, production of Battle Royale II: Requiem (2003) was announced. Filming began December 16, with Fukasaku's son Kenta filling in as the director (he also produced the film).
Though he planned to recover from his battle with cancer, Fukasaku passed away at the age of 72. While he's mainly known for his action and yakuza films, his work spans a wide range of genres, including period dramas such as
Shogun's Samurai (1978) and Makai Tensho (1981),
artistic films such as House on Fire (1986) and Omocha (1999),
science fiction films such as The Green Slime (1968), Message from Space (1978), Virus (1980), and horror films such as Crest of Betrayal (1994).

Kazuo Miyagawa Special

In honor of Kazuo Miyagawa’s success as a cameraman who had continually worked with leading Japanese directors such as Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kon Ichikawa, this year we are holding a special screening marking his 110th birthday.

Screening Films

"The Son" (1960)
Director: Kon Ichikawa, Cinematographer: Kazuo Miyagawa, Story: Toyoko Yamasaki, Starring: Ichikawa Raizo VIII, Ayako Wakao, Tamao Nakamura
"Aru Koroshiya" (1967)
Director: Kazuo Mori, Cinematographer: Kazuo Miyagawa, Story: Shinji Fujiwara, Starring: Ichikawa Raizo VIII, Yumiko Nogawa, Mikio Narita
And More
Profile
Born February 25, 1908 in Kyoto.
In 1926, at the age of 18, Miyagawa began working at Senbon Nikkatsu as a film processing assistant.
After approximately three years processing film, he had the opportunity to begin shooting.
Miyagawa made his cinematography debut with the film Ochiyogasa (1935).
After Hiroshi Inagaki’s film The Life of Matsu the Untamed (1943) received rave reviews for its beautiful photography,Miyagawa was given the opportunity to shoot films for master directors such as Kenji Mizoguchi, Akira Kurosawa, Yazujiro Ozu, and Kon Ichikawa.
His first film with Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon (1950), won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival,becoming the first Japanese film to achieve such distinctions.
Kenji Mizoguchi’s film Ugetsu Monogatari won the first prize at the Edinburgh International Film festival in the UK.
The Kurosawa-directed film Yojimbo (1961) won an NHK film award for best cinematography,while Younger Brother (1960) and Ballad of Orin (1977) and other films won numerous awards, including awards for Best Cinematography at the Mainichi Film Awards.
When shooting Younger Brother, Kazuo Miyagawa invented a unique bleach bypass film technique. To recreate the mood of the story’s historical Taisho era, Miyagawa kept the silver in the coloring of the film.
This technique is still widely used in the film industry today.
Miyagawa won the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor in 1978, and the Fourth Order of the Rising Sun in 1983.
In 1992, he won the Yamaji Fumiko Movie Award and the Kawakita Award.
Miyagawa shot films for over 40 directors over more than 60 years, basing his work on his theory that the director and cinematographer were inextricably linked.
He died August 6, 1999 at the age of 91, having filmed 136 films and eight television programs.

Yuya Uchida Rock’n Roll Movie vol.5

This i s the 5th annual special program presented by Yuya Uchida at the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival! This year we will present works from the unique perspective of Yuya Uchida again, who is active in number of fields.

Kyo Films

This category introduces films that have a connection with Kyoto, offering an insight into Kyoto through "people" and "places", which could not otherwise be discovered merely through tourism.

Special Screening

KIFF’s concept is "Film, Art and All the Other Things".
We are planning a screening of a variety of cinematic works, including those created from the artistic perspective and those produced in collaboration with the residents of various regions in Japan.

Film Festivals Partnership Project

In Kyoto, there are many film festivals and movie events other than KIFF.
This project aims to energize the city of films "Kyoto", through the cooperation of these film festivals and events in promotional work and teaser screenings.

Partnering Film Festivals

Toy Film Museum,、Gion Tenmaku Film Festival, Kyo Machinaka Film Festival, Kyoto Amateur Film Festival, Kyoto International Indies-Cinema Festival, Kyoto International Student Film & Video Festival(Invitation Screening Project), Kyoto International Children's Film Festival, University of Kyoto Center for Southeast Asian Studies, All Things Great in All The Islands! Okinawa International Movie Festival etc.

Kyoto International Student Film Festival (Invitational Screenings)

The Kyoto International Student Film Student Film Festival is the country’s largest student festival, and is mainly coordinated by Kansai regional universities, centered around Kyoto. Films from students around the world will be evaluated, with distinguished films selected for screening.
By showcasing the potential and appeal of student films to more people in Kyoto, the festival aims to invigorate students by creating a space for international exchange and mutual understanding. During this year’s festival, we plan on inviting selected works from the student festival for screening.

Kyo Machinaka Film Festival

"Kyo Machinaka Film Festival" will be held this year with its usual theme of "Watch movies while walking the streets of Kyoto". While regrettably the festival was not held independently last year, this year we have received support from a lot of people, allowing us to organize the festival. Enjoy live music performances and talk shows, as well as film screenings.

Gion Tenmaku Film Festival

On July 15th, the night of the Gion Matsuri Festival’s Yoi-Yoi-Yama event, an outdoor cinema suddenly appears on the Hokosha Tengoku sidewalk along Shijo-Dori avenue.
The festival continues into its eleventh year, securing itself as the new summer sensation in Gion. The festival will feature a diverse screening of valuable Kyoto films and videos.
For the 2018 Kyoto International Film and art Festival, we plan on screening a selection of European films recommended by the Gion Tenmaku Film Festival.

Kyoto International Indies-Cinema

Now in its twelfth year, this film festival is based on showing an international spirit. The festival screens films from all over the world along with winners from the Kyoto Movie Awards,judging these short films for their quality and educational value.
A talk show is held every year, featuring various discussions about film.

Kyoto International Children’s Film Festival

Now in its 24th year, the Kyoto International Children’s Film Festival features publicly recruited child judges, who watch all the films on the day of the event, then discuss which one will be selected for the Grand Prix.
Child staff work on the event throughout the year, and help with PR. The day of the festival is bustling with moderators, backstage announcements, interviews, and live dubbing events. The festival is made possible through the hard work of the child staff.

Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

Screening Visual Documentary Project 2017 Winning Film(s) + Two Works by Koji Fukada Started by Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies in 2012, this project features screenings of short documentaries made by South East Asian filmmakers.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 13 (Doors: 12:00 PM, Start: 12:30 PM) at Inamori Center on the Kyoto University Campus. Five award-winning films from the 2017 Visual Documentary Project, entitled Urban Life in Southeast Asia, will be specially screened, along with two works directed by center affiliate and film irector Koji Fukada [ The Man From the Sea (2018) (Fukada’s latest film set in Indonesia), and the vignette Inabe (2013)].

Toy Film Museum, Kyoto Center for Film Arts and Culture, General Incorporated Association

Utilizing an old Kyoto machiya townhouse that specialized in traditional yuzen dyeing techniques, this museum showcases toy projectors and optical toys, which were a starting point for film and animation. You can also enjoy watching old films here. The workshop space is used in various configurations to present a diverse range of events.
Last year marked the 100th anniversary of Japanese animation. Many animation-themed events were held. For the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival’s newly established animation category, we will present screenings by G9+1 (the self-professed oldest animation collective).
This year will see G9+1 collaborate with Animation Palette of Tokyo University of the arts, for a full menu of art and animation by veterans and new comers.
Of particular note, we will be screening the newest film by Taku Furukawa, entitled Hito Hito Gekijo. In addition to being a member of G9+1, Furukawa is also the president of the Japan Animation Association, and won the Terayama Shoji Award this August.

Okinawa International Movie Festival

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, the Okinawa International Movie Festival has become a staple of spring in Okinawa.
We will be screening Cocktail Party, a film adaptation of Tatsushiro Oshiro’s book. Oshiro was the first ever Okinawan to win the Akutagawa Prize. The film was highly praised when it screened in the Okinawa Historical Movie category at the 8th annual movie festival in 2018, and was one of the festival’s official selections.

Animation

Animation Category Navigator
Kyoto Special Goodwill Ambassador "Uchoten Kazoku"

The animation category was newly established in 2017, marking the 100th anniversary since animation in Japan was first seen. With 100 years of history, the field of animation has played a huge role in Japanese film culture, and is known by people across the world. This year’s animation category is focusing on stop motion techniques in addition to conventional animation cells and CG.
This year, we’ll be presenting fun screenings and related events that can be enjoyed by a people of all ages.

Features

PEACE MAKER KUROGANE Prequel: Omou Michi (Belief)
"Peace Maker Kurogane" by Nanae Chrono is about a group of youths who want to become samurai. They travel to Kyoto and battle their way through to return to their old home in triumph. The prequel portrays the growth of Tetsunosuke Ichimura and his fellow comrades through life as members of Shinsengumi (special police force). Memorial Event for Director Isao Takahata "Chie the Brat(TV anime series)"
Screening of a human comedy anime by chief director Isao Takahata, who passed away in April 2018. Set in the old downtown of Osaka, Chie Takemoto, a fifth grade girl from Naniwa, puts her great energy to good use in running the family business of Horumon Yaki (grilled offal) restaurant.
This movie portrays her exchanges with the unique people that surround her.

Short Films

Dwarf Stop Motion Animation
Dwarf is a world-renowned stop motion animation studio creating highly technical stop-motion films. The studio also creates numerous characters and content, including NHK’s globally popular Domo-kun character, and Komaneko, a beloved film released in France. Not only does the studio work on original films, they also actively collaborate on projects for various famous characters and content, and are presently creating a Netflix original series Rilakkuma and Kaoru, which is slated for a spring 2019 release.
We will be screening six of Dwarf’s well-known stop motion films:

Screening Films

"Mogu & Perol" "Komaneko Hajime no Ippai" "Komaneko no Oruzuhan" "By Your Side" "To Kyo" (Directed by Tsuneo Goda), and "Karubi-kun" (Original Work by Takuma)

Anime Tamago
Anime Tamago is an educational project for young animators presented by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
The project showcases the possibilities of future animation by introducing the careers of next generation creators. Continuing from last year, four films will be screened for this years animation category.

Screening Films

Anime Tamago 2017: Four Films
Charanposhima (Land) no Boken (Created by Studio Comet, Directed by Shin Misawa)
RedAsh-GEARWORLD- Created by Studio 4℃, Directed by Yuta Sano
Genba no Jo -Genbanojoo- (Created by Nippon Animation, Directed by Takken Doyama)
Zunda Horizon (Created by SSS LLC, Studio Live For Cooperation, Directed by Hiroshi Takeuchi)

Anime Category Affiliated Workshop

Handmade Workshop: Let's Make Stop Motion! *Held at Former Junpu Elementary School.
A hands-on workshop by Dwarf, a production company with the most respected stop motion technologies in the world. Using a kit by Nihon Vogue, we’ll make a stop motion frame of Komaneko, a character popular with people of all ages. The frames are simple to create, so children are free to take part.
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