The Japan Foundation is holding a Japanese film week at the Artistic Creativity Centre in the Cairo Opera House grounds, starting on 11 December.

All chosen films fall under the theme of Spirit of Renaissance in Japan after World War II, and will include Arabic subtitles.

Programme:

Sunday 11 December

6:00 pm - Best Wishes for Tomorrow

8:30 pm - Open discussion with the film’s director, Takashi Koizumi

Monday 12 December (Special Documentary Day)

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - “An Engineer’s Assistant” and “Children in the Classroom” to be followed by an open discussion in cooperation with Masterpeace

8:30 pm - Madam Onboro

Tuesday 13 December

6:00 pm - Always Sunset on 3rd Street

8:30 pm - Best Wishes for Tomorrow

Wednesday 14 December

6:00 pm - Cupola, Where the Furnaces Glow

8:30 pm - Always Sunset on 3rd Street

Thursday 15 December

6:00 pm - Madam Onboro

8:30 pm - Cupola, Where the Furnaces Glow

About the films:

Best Wishes for Tomorrow (2008)

Duration: 110 min

Directed by: Takashi Koizumi

The film recreates the post-World War II trial of Japanese Lieutenant General Tasuku Okada and his subordinates for executing 38 American airmen. The film uses transcripts from the actual trial.

Children in the Classroom (1955)

Duration: 30 min

Directed by: Sosomo Hani

This documentary film follows the changes in the educational system after the war, while shedding light on the efforts by schools to show interest in all of its students.

An Engineer’s Assistant (1963)

Duration: 37 min

Directed by: Noriaki Tsuchimoto

In 1962, the service schedule of the national railways became increasingly congested due to transport of materials and Shinkansen deployment in preparation for the Olympics. On May 2 of that year a major accident occurred at Mikawashima and in order to wipe away the bad impression of the accident, the authorities planned a film to promote the safety of the railways. The film traces a day in the life of an engineer’s assistant.

Madame Onboro (1970)

Duration: 105 min

Directed by: Shohei Imamura

Japan’s post-war history is told through the eyes of Madame Onboro, a bar hostess. The film also includes news footage.

Always – Sunset on 3rd Street (2005)

Duration: 133 min

Directed by: Takashi Yamazaki

The film is set in 1958, which is the year the Tokyo tower is built. The film tackles the relationships between residents of a small neighbourhood in Tokyo and the financial hardships they have to face.

Cupola, Where the Furnaces Glow (1962)

Duration: 100 min

Directed by: Kirio Urayama

The film revolves around a teenage girl named John, who was born in a poor family yet defies her circumstances to fulfil her dreams.