Japan Society is proud to present the 16th edition JAPAN CUTS: New Japanese Film Festival, the largest festival of its kind. From major blockbusters to independent darlings, the films shown this year JAPAN CUPS cover storytelling, documentaries, experimental shorts, and anime. This summer marks the festival’s long-awaited return to in-person viewing, the first time since 2019.
Kick off JAPAN CUPS is the first on the east coast of The first Slam Dunk. The number one film at the Japanese box office this year, it is the first unreleased feature film from the slam dunk franchise for over 33 years, as well as the directorial debut of manga creator Takehiko Inoue.
JAPAN CUPS will present acclaimed actor Yuya Yagira with this year’s CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film for his lead role in the festival’s flagship film, Under the Turquoise Sky by director KENTARO. Yagira was the youngest winner of the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his lead role in Hirokazu Kore-eda. Nobody knows and has since starred in over 50 movies and TV series. He will be honored for his career and his work in Under the Turquoise Sky, an international co-production in which his character embarks on a personal journey through the vastness of the Mongolian countryside. Yagira and KENTARO will be making special appearances at screenings on August 4 and 5.
Another highlight of the festival is its only juried section, the first in-person Next Generation competition, which showcases six independent narrative feature films from up-and-coming directors. The Japan Society will award the Obayashi Prize to the most accomplished film as determined by a jury of industry professionals.
JAPAN CUPS also features two SHORT CUTS programs, which explore experimental, narrative and animated shorts – including the directorial debut of composer Hiroyuki Onogawa, best known for his collaborations with Sogo (Gakuryu) Ishii, and Silent movie, an assortment of benshi– narrated silent films, including an adaptation of the screenplay of Sadao Yamanaka’s first film.
The festival is proud to present the 1985 documentary Tokyo Melody: a film about Ryuichi Sakamoto in tribute to the legendary musician, composer and revolutionary creator. Widely unavailable and rarely released, the cult film offers an intimate snapshot of Sakamoto’s genius and will be screened on an imported 16mm print with musician Akiko Yano and director Elizabeth Lennard in attendance.
JAPAN CUTS: New Japanese Film Festival will take place from July 26 to August 6 at Japanese company At New York.
To learn more and buy tickets, visit japansociety.org.
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