The first annual 2016 Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival was held March 18 – 24, 2016. Many exciting events and festivities made it a special kickoff to the annual festival. It was small, yet it was a sucess.
Tokyo Tribe
Directed by: Sion Sono
2014, 116 Minutes, Rap Epic Musical
OPENING NIGHT FILM
PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
Billed as the first rap battle musical, Tokyo Tribe is a modern tale about street gangs in an alternate Japan who settle differences with not just guns and samurai swords, but with their slick rap battle skills.
Only Yesterday
Directed by: Isao Takahata
1991, 118 Minutes, Anime
PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
This darling film from Studio Ghibli reaches American audiences for the first time in theaters, and focuses on a young woman who, while visiting family in the countryside, finds herself increasingly nostalgic for her childhood self.
Ran
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
1985, 162 Minutes, Shakespeare Samurai Epic
Akira Kurosawa’s gorgeous final epic, based on the Shakespearean tragedy King Lear, features powerful landscapes and some of the best costume work in the history of film.
Late Spring
Directed by: Yasujirô Ozu
1949, 108 Minutes, Drama
This classic Japanese drama by Yasujiro Ozu focuses on a young woman who is being pressured by her family and loved ones to marry, but is content caring for her widowed father.
