The inaugural edition of the Shinsedai Festival is approaching quickly and I wanted to draw your attention to some of the interesting independent Japanese cinema that will be unspooling there between August 21–23. The screenings will take place at the fabulous new cinema at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Shinsedai is a Japanese word that means “new generation” and this festival aims to break new ground by featuring the work of directors who are underexposed in the West. Curated by knowledgable cinephiles Jasper Sharp (Midnight Eye) and Toronto’s own Chris MaGee (J-Film Pow-Wow), the three-day event will screen more than 20 works by some of Japan’s most exciting directors.
I’m planning to catch the entire Sunday (August 23) programme:
- 12:00pm — Vortex & Others: Five Short Films by Yoshihiro Ito
- 2:15pm — Now, I…, with The Rule of Dreams
- 4:30pm — Panel discussion — Being “Indie” in Japan, with Q&A session to follow
- 6:00pm — The New God, with Maledict Car
- 8:15pm — Girl Sparks, with The Trains
And if I can manage it, I’m trying to get to the Peaches programme of shorts, playing Saturday August 22 at 2:00pm.
Tickets are available at several downtown locations as well as at the door and are $12 per screening. You can also buy a 5-film pass for $50 or a Deluxe Pass (all screenings) for $105. Hope to see you there!
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