J Firing the Lighter Gun • ピストルライターの撃ち方
Sat. 30-09, 16:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Is this Heaven? • 天国か、ここ？ IMAOKA Shinji • いまお かしんじ (Japan 2023 | 61 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
In a wonderfully weird afterlife, in which all the sounds are muted and everyone seems to be dancing, a middle-aged man with a drinking problem wanders around and stumbles upon both strangers and people from his past, including his wife. This experimental feature is a peculiar flavour, but once you adapt to the dreamlike vibe, you’re in for a treat. Thurs. 21-09, 12:30 & Fri. 22-09, 13:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 12:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*
Life of Mariko in Kabukicho • 探偵マリコの生涯で一 番悲惨な日 UCHIDA Eiji • 高橋正弥 & KATAYAMA Shinzo • 片山慎三 (Japan 2023 | 116 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
28-year-old Mariko runs a detective agency and works at a bar in Kabukicho. Her regular bar customers include her lover, two assassins and an ex-yakuza. One day, the FBI asks her to find an alien. The investigation makes her confront her past. A surrealistic comedy full of crazy characters, making the most of its nightlife district setting.
Rotterdam: 20 Sep.29WORM • 21-24 Amsterdam Sept. - 1. Oct. KriteriSep. on LantarenVenster Amsterdam: 28 Sep.-01 Oct. LAB 111
Thurs. 21-09, 19:30 & Fri. 22-09, 12:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 19:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
feature films
*
Love Will Tear Us Apart • ラヴ・ウィル・テア・アス・アパ ート UGANA Kenichi • 宇賀那健一 (Japan 2023 | 87 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
*#Manhole • #マンホール KUMAKIRI Kazuyoshi • 熊切和嘉
Come for the kills, stay for the romance. A fun, slick slasher film about a young girl having to confront the demons of her past, while also dealing with several suitors. It is also an odd duck full of deliberate tonal whiplashes and outrageous kills. Written by festival favourite WATANABE Hirobumi. Fri. 22-09, 17:30 & Sun. 24-09, 22:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 17:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam MAYHEM GIRLs • メイヘムガールズ FUJITA Shinichi • 藤田真一 (Japan 2022 | 98 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) High schooler Mizuho suddenly gains psychokinetic superpowers. She befriends three other girls who can either teleport, go inside the internet or are telepathic. When Mizuho starts using her powers to impress an older boy, mayhem ensues. Great power doesn’t mean great responsibilities in the hands of these girls, but it does mean a lot of fun.
*Baby Assassins 2 Babies • ベイビーわるきゅーれ 2ベイビー
SAKAMOTO Yugo • 阪元裕吾 (Japan 2023 | 101 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Teen assassins Chisato and Mahiro are back! But their agency has ordered them to stop their killing work. When they’re being pursued by two other professional killers, can they stop them, when they’ve officially retired? Harder, faster, stronger sequel with even better action scenes and just as much fun. Thurs. 21-09, 22:15 & Fri. 22-09, 10:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 21:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Fri. 22-09, 14:45 & Sun. 24-09, 22:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 21:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Mondays: See You ’This’ Week! • MONDAYS／このタ
Bad Lands • バッド・ランズ HARADA Masato • 原田眞人 (Japan 2023 | 143 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
イムループ、上司に気づかせないと終わらない TAKEBAYASHI Ryo • 竹林亮 (Japan 2022 | 83 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
Slickly directed thriller about a woman and her younger brother, who are conning their way through life. When they make a big score, it means that they are also now on the radar of several different opponents. This frantically paced crime thriller is made in the style of Pulp Fiction and its many nineties heirs. Thurs. 21-09, 12:00 & Fri. 22-09, 21:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 21:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam Baian the Assassin, M.D. 1 • 仕掛人、 藤枝梅安 KAWAKE Shunsaku • 河毛俊作 (Japan 2023 | 134 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Baian is a skilled acupuncturist, but secretly also an assassin. Although he only kills those who deserve it. When Baian is hired for a dodgy job, things go awry. And then a wanted samurai enters the fray. A stylishly shot and beautifully lit historical thriller, based on the books by IKENAMI Shotaro.
Thurs. 21-09, 16:30 & Sat. 23-09, 19:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 14:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Inventive low-budget time loop comedy, in which a group of coworkers discover that they are stuck repeating the same terrible week. To escape, they must convince their boss to follow his dreams. Preceded by Salaryman Robin KIKIC (NL/Japan 2022 | 15 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Fri. 22-09, 17:00 & Sat. 23-09, 17:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 21:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Mountain Woman • 山女
FUKUNAGA Takeshi • 福永壮志 (Japan 2022 | 100 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Rin is already despised by her village in 18th-century rural northern Japan. Then her hungry father steals some rice. She takes the blame and is driven away from the village onto Mount Hayachine, where the spirits of the dead are said to ascend. A mystic drama evoking old legends and an uncompromising meditation on finding oneness and liberation. Sat. 23-09, 10:00 & Sun. 24-09, 17:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 12:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Cafune • カフネ KINEMURA Haruki • 杵村春希 (Japan 2023 | 66 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) A teenager gets pregnant. Her and her boyfriend’s parents wrestle with the responsibility, while the youngsters figure out their future. An impressive debut, delicately depicting different desires and conflicts. Preceded by TRACE Olivier KAZUMA (Japan/Belgium 2023 | 17 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Sat. 23-09, 15:15 & Sun. 24-09, 10:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Thurs. 28-09, 12:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
A Mother’s Touch • 桜色の風が咲く MATSUMOTO Jumpei • 松本准平 (Japan 2022 | 113 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Satoshi loses his sight at the age of 9, but grows up surrounded by the love of his family. Attending a school for the blind at 18, he also loses his hearing. When all hope seems lost, Satoshi and his mother discover a new means of communication. Heartbreaking, inspirational, finely acted drama, based on the true story of FUKUSHIMA Satoshi. Fri. 22-09, 17:00 (Q&A) & Sat. 23-09, 19:45 (Q&A), LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Thurs. 28-09, 17:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*December • 赦し Anshul CHAUHAN • アンシュル・
Natchan’s Little Secret • ひみつのなっちゃん TANAKA Yasujiro • 田中和次朗 (Japan 2023 | 97 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) After drag queen Natchan dies, several of her friends come together to travel and reminisce. The grieving process gets difficult: Natchan was not out of the closet to her family, which divides the opinions of the group. A fun, feel-good road movie, full of campy drag performances, in the spirit of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
チョウハン (Japan 2022 | 99 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
Two exes reunite to fight the release of their daughter’s murderer, but are forced to confront difficult questions of punishment and redemption while their grief threatens to consume them again. A gripping, humanistic and psychologically nuanced courtroom drama with social commentary, compelling characters and excellent cinematography and staging.
Fri. 22-09, 12:00 & Sun. 24-09, 10:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 21:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Sat. 23-09, 14:45 & Sun. 24-09, 22:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 14:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*New Religion • ニューレリジョン KONDO Keishi
(Japan 2022 | 100 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) After her daughter dies, sex worker Miyabi gets strange requests, that lead her closer to her daughter’s spirit but also to society’s collapse. A bold, atmospheric, provocative horror. Preceded by Flashback Before Death ISHIHARA Rii/ONOGAWA Hiroyuki (Japan 2022 | 30 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
The Dry Spell • 渇水 TAKAHASHI Masaya • 高橋正弥
(Japan 2022 | 100 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) During a drought, depressed city waterworks employee Iwakiri turns off the water of households behind on their bill. He regains an interest in life after meeting young sisters Keiko and Kumiko, whose parents are never home. A feel-good drama dealing with social issues and regaining one’s humanity by taking responsibility and looking out for others. Thurs. 21-09, 19:00 (Opening Film) & Sun. 24-09, 12:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam
Thurs. 21-09, 17:00 & Sun. 24-09, 19:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 19:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Thurs. 28-09, 19:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Egoist • エゴイスト
MATSUNAGA Daishi • 松永大司 (Japan 2022 | 120 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Fashion editor Kosuke meets handsome young man Ryuta at a workout session. Quickly he falls in love. When Ryuta returns Kosuke’s feelings, a passionate love affair begins, but it’s soon put to the test by family bonds and grief. A compelling, multi-faceted and deeply touching drama about love and loss. Fri. 22-09, 19:45 & Sat. 23-09, 10:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 19:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Ninja vs Shark • 妖獣奇譚 ニンジャ vs シャーク SAKAMOTO Koichi • 坂本浩一 (Japan 2023 | 77 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) The ultimate battle between ninjas and sharks will finally happen! To be cut, or to be eaten, that is the question. A magician manipulates sharks to steal pearls and slaughter villagers. A bodyguard and a female ninja face off against them. Wonderful nonsense, weird twists and ample amounts of blood. Thurs. 21-09, 19:45 & Fri. 22-09, 22:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 21:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*
= Dutch première
= European première
J = International première
Mimiko and Tsuyoshi decide to join a plushies club. At first puzzled by the weird-looking, toy-cuddling members, they soon realise plushies can help the sensitive and the introverted let out their worries and sorrows. A sweet and delicate movie that confronts issues of masculinity, gender and acceptance in contemporary society. Thurs. 21-09, 15:15 & Sat. 23-09, 22:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 17:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam Perfect Days • パーフェクト・デイズ Wim WENDERS • ヴィム・ヴェンダース (Japan/Germany 2023 | 123 min |
Colour | Eng. sub) Hirayami cleans public toilets in Tokyo and seems content with his simple life. He dedicates his free time to music, books, and photographing the same tree every day. A richly detailed, poetic and deeply moving character study by German director Wim WENDERS, for which YAKUSHO Koji won the Best Actor Award at Cannes Sat. 23-09, 19:45 & Sun. 24-09, 19:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam
*Remembering Every Night • すべての夜を思い
だす KIYOHARA Yui • 清原惟 (Japan 2022 | 116 min |
Colour | Eng. sub.) Along the outskirts of Tokyo, three distinctive women live out their peculiar summer day which wanders between the ordinary and the comical. Above all, director KIYOHARA succeeds in illustrating a Tokyo summer vibe, in offices, cafés, museums and parks. A well-orchestrated balance between the mundane, (un) lucky coincidences, and memorable encounters. Thurs. 21-09, 17:00 & Fri. 22-09, 14:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 14:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
JThe Rest of Our Lives • 残る 歳月 KUMA Shinji
• 久万真路 (Japan 2022 | 98 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) To fight the first signs of dementia, 71-years old Kenji joins the Long and Healthy Life Club, where he befriends the eccentric Mr Hashimoto. They decide to take a swimming class, where they meet their teacher Kaori. Through swimming lessons, both Kenji and Kaori find a new perspective on life.
Sat. 23-09, 16:30 (Q&A) & Sun. 24-09, 12:15 (Q&A), LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Thurs. 28-09, 21:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
Ripples • 波紋 OGIGAMI Naoko • 荻上直子 (Japan 2023 | 120 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Everything in Yoriko’s life seems in order, until her husband returns, who had abandoned her and her son years ago. Her calm surface is disturbed, and slowly all that was hidden below becomes visible. More seriously dramatic than this major Japanese filmmaker is known for, but with plenty of funny moments in between.
Sat. 23-09, 17:15 & Sun. 24-09, 14:45, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 19:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*SABAKAN / Summer Days 1986 • サバカン KANAZAWA Tomoki • 金沢知樹 (Japan 2022 | 96 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Nagasaki, 1986. One summer day, 10-yearold Hisada goes to Boomerang Island to see dolphins with the unpopular Takemoto. While their friendship grows, they get into a lot of trouble and adventure. A whimsical, funny and touching coming-of-age drama, full of piquant details that cut through the haze of nostalgia. Sat. 23-09, 22:15 & Sun. 24-09, 10:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 12:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam *Suncream and Windchimes • ホゾを咬む
TAKAHASHI Eiichi • 高橋栄一 (Japan 2023 | 108 min | Black & White | Eng. sub.) A couple falls back in love during a hot summer through strange encounters and awkward situations. Hajime sees his wife on the street in strange clothes. When asked, she says it wasn’t her. He becomes increasingly paranoid and then starts questioning reality. Whimsical, odd and surreal, with great black-and-white cinematography. Thurs. 21-09, 14:30 & Sun. 24-09, 17:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 16:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Tea Friends • 茶飲友達 SOTOYAMA Bunji •
外山文治 (Japan 2023 | 134 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
A group of youngsters run a ‘tea drinking’ club: a prostitution business specialising in sex workers over 65 years old. This socially conscious drama, inspired by actual events, shines a light on individuals living hopeless lives while asking how different generations should interact and coexist. Thurs. 21-09, 19:30 & Fri. 22-09, 12:45, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Thurs. 28-09, 14:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Tocka • タスカー KAMADA Yoshitaka • 鎌田義孝
(Japan 2022 | 119 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Three lost souls are depressed in cold, barren northern Japan. Shoji wants his daughter to get his life insurance money, but suicide isn’t covered. He asks desperate Saki and poor junkman Yukito to help him. A stark, strong, darkly humorous drama raising profound questions about life and death and the importance of humanity.
Thurs. 21-09, 12:00 & Sun. 24-09, 17:00, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 12:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
JTsugaru Lacquer Girl • バカ塗りの娘 TSURUOKA
Keiko • 鶴岡慧子 (Japan 2023 | 118 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Aoki’s father’s devotion to Japanese Tsugaru lacquerware gave him poverty and cost him his marriage. Aoki wants to learn her father’s craft and continue the family business, but he has lost faith in it. A subtle drama on personal challenge, complicated family relations and legacy, with fine depictions of the process and craft of Tsugaru lacquering. Sat. 23-09, 10:15 & Sun. 24-09, 19:45, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 14:30, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Your Lovely Smile • あなたの微笑み LIM Kah Wai
• リム カーワイ (Japan 2022 | 103 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Indie director WATANABE Hirobumi has created his own cinematic universe with his laconic comedies. He stars as himself in this playful road movie, making a film and trying to sell it to arthouse cinemas around Japan. A loving, self-mocking ode to Japan’s cinema culture, giving a fascinating insight into its independent side.
Fri. 22-09, 10:30 & Sat. 23-09, 12:30, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Fri. 29-09, 14:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
*Yudo • 湯道 SUZUKI Masayuki • 鈴木雅之
(Japan 2023 | 126 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Two estranged brothers inherit a bathhouse from their father. One wants to continue and one wants to sell. Will this split them, or bring them together? A colourful comedy about family, tradition and the bathing culture of Japan, full of unforgettable characters, which will leave you feeling good, clean, and warm. Fri. 22-09, 19:00 & Sat. 23-09, 12:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sat. 30-09, 18:45, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
CAMERA _ JAPAN is supported by:
(Japan 2023 | 99 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) After his bachelor party, Shunsuke falls into an open manhole. Injured, he tries to escape with only his smartphone to help him out. As it starts to rain, he increasingly begins to doubt whether his predicament is really an accident. A claustrophobic thriller with surprising twists, sardonic humour and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Fri. 22-09, 22:00 & Sat. 23-09, 12:45, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 17:00, LAB 111 / Amsterdam
ぬいぐるみとしゃべる人はやさしい KANEKO Yurina • 金子由里奈 (Japan 2023 | 109 min | Colour | Eng. sub.)
For more info and latest updates go to camerajapan.nl
*I Am What I Am • そばかす TAMADAShinya• 玉田真也 (Japan 2022 | 104 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Kasumi is 30 years old and single. She’s never been in love and has never felt attracted to anyone. At a marriage arrangement meeting, she unexpectedly meets a kindred spirit. MIURA Toko (Drive My Car) shines in this antiromance, which sincerely, sensibly and delicately highlights the plight of the asexual. Thurs. 21-09, 22:00 & Fri. 22-09, 14:15, LantarenVenster / Rotterdam
*People Who Talk to Plushies Are Kind •
長編映画 FILMS _
SANADA Kohei • 眞田康平 (Japan 2023 | 118 min | Colour | Eng. sub.) Tatsuya lives near a nuclear disaster zone, working for the yakuza that run the clean-up business. Ex-prisoner Ryo and sex worker Mari join him. All try to hang on to their humanity amidst their grim surroundings. A compelling portrait of a nuclear aftermath and a careful consideration of the exploitation of those on the margins of society. Fri. 22-09, 19:30 (Q&A) & Sat. 23-09 21:45 (Q&A) LantarenVenster / Rotterdam Sun. 01-10, 19:15, LAB 111 / Amsterdam